Kevin Durant has issued a warning to Jalen Brunson following the star guard's successful run leading the New York Knicks to their first NBA championship in 53 years.
During an interview with the Wall Street Journal in Cannes, France, Durant spoke about advice he has for Brunson when it comes to accepting athlete partnerships. But his advice also seemed like has referring to what the Knicks do on the court, too.
"I would tell him to strike while the iron’s hot," said Durant. "This is a time that I don’t think New Yorkers or the Knicks are going to get back. You’ve got to take advantage of this time right now, you don’t know if this will come around. It’s been 53 years. It could be another 53-year wait."
Though his message was ominous, Durant also bigged up Brunson afterwards. "I would say take all opportunities, listen to them and see which ones you love," Durant explained. "I think Jalen has done such a great job of being him every single day and stepping up. His identity is just about grinding from the bottom and being somebody in New York City who made history in New York City. Right now is an important time for him and the Knicks, and I feel like he’s gonna take full advantage of it."
Brunson is fresh off the five-game championship series against the San Antonio Spurs, in which he won Finals MVP and scored a whopping 45 points in the last game that led to the Knicks clinching the championship.
Since bringing New York its first championship since 1973, Brunson has been busy. First, he squashed New York City's beef with Elmo that came about after the Sesame Street vet wished both competing NBA teams luck in the NBA Finals. At the championship parade, Brunson kissed the adorable puppet, signaling the end of the city’s feud with it.
Brunson's also preparing to release his debut children’s book, Jalen Plays It All. Brunson announced the book about his path to NBA stardom, from trying many sports to finding the one that has his true passion, is currently available for pre-order. According to Amazon, the book releases on November 24.
"I hope kids read this book and realize they don't have to have everything figured out," Brunson said in a statement. "Keep trying new things, keep learning, and keep putting in the work. You never know where those experiences might take you."
On Instagram, Brunson wrote that the book "is a story about discovering that success doesn't happen overnight. There are mistakes, setbacks, and moments when giving up may feel easier than pushing forward."
