What is it like being an NBA player’s son? Well, apart from the lavish lifestyle and constant limelight, these kids spend their childhood around the best players in the world with access to premium resources. And it does pay dividends for many who aspire to follow in their father’s footsteps as players like Jalen Brunson have turned much bigger than their dads ever were. But it was not always sunshine and rainbows for JB growing up, as his father Rick Brunson’s constant trades always kept the future Knicks star on his toes.

Jalen Brunson dove into the feeling of growing up as an NBA player’s son and revealed both sides of the coin, saying, “It was pros and cons for sure.” For Jalen, the pros outweigh the cons as he learned a lot from his father’s work ethic, “As I grew older to figure out what type of player I wanted to be and how I hard I had to work, I would get flashbacks of him working out and working hard three times a day in the summer. That helped me understand what hard work really was.”

But there was one major con that might’ve paved Jalen’s way to stardom. Unlike most superstars, JB’s father never had a set future in any team. Although he had a respectable 9-year run in the league, Rick was a role player who came off the bench most of his career. “My dad being unguaranteed and being around the league, I didn’t really get to see him as much as a lot of kids get to see their dad every other day,” he remarked on The Mark Jackson Show.

Sure enough, Rick played for 8 teams, which meant a lot of traveling and absence from home while Jalen Brunson was a kid. But instead of losing hope, he learned from this experience, “I was in a position where not a lot of kids were as they dreamed of being, so it really opened my eyes a lot and helped me become who I am today.” More than a decade later, how are Jr.’s chances looking?

Jalen Brunson might never have to worry about an uncertain future again

As Jalen began his NBA career, he was in a similar boat as his father. Playing alongside a future legend like Luka Doncic, Brunson spent most of his time in Dallas coming off the bench. However, as Luka got injured, JB rose to the occasion and proved that he was more than just a role player. He helped the Mavs gain major success in the playoffs.

Then came the career-defining move, two years ago, to the Knicks, as he agreed to ink a 4-year $104 million deal.

Sure enough, he instantly turned into a Knicks legend by leading them to the playoffs in the last two seasons and making his first All-Star team, averaging just under 30 points. As expected, he was rewarded for his amazing performance and signed a 4-year $156.5 million extension this summer, securing his long-term future in New York.

While Jalen Brunson had to grow up without his dad around due to him bouncing from team to team, he might never have to worry about his future, considering his superstar status in New York. And he will have the freedom to decide where he goes next if he wants to.

It is also a pleasant situation for Jalen Brunson’s family, as he recently welcomed his first child to the world, who will not have to face the same hardships that the Knicks community’s favorite star faced growing up.

Before you go, do not forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Asia Avinger