Kobe Bryant’s special connection with ‘King of New York’ Jalen Brunson: “Connections ran deep”

New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson reflects on his family's ties with the Bryant Family on the five-year anniversary of Kobe's passing

Kobe Bryant’s special connection with ‘King of New York’ Jalen Brunson: “Connections ran deep”

Jalen Brunson reflects on his relations with late Kobe Bryant

Today marks the fifth death anniversary of NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his teenage daughter, Gianna Bryant, who lost their lives in a tragic helicopter crash on January 26, 2020. As the NBA community reflects on Mamba’s influence on the game, his legacy continues to inspire.

Amidst all the mourning and reminiscing, Knicks star Jalen Brunson sat down with New York Basketball to open up about his deep ties with the Bryant family. Explaining the connection, here’s what the “King of New York” had to say about the Black Mamba on this solemn occasion:

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My mom & Kobe’s sister were teammates & roommates at Temple; my dad knew Kobe while he was at Temple, Kobe playing high school ball in Philly…I remember one time my dad coaching for the Bulls, and Kobe come out the locker room… he said wassup to my dad and then ran to my mom and gave her like a huge hug like he known em forever… that’s when I realized that their connections ran deep…It’s been like a lifetime thing.

Jalen Brunson said

Brunson revealed that Kobe Bryant wasn’t just a source of inspiration but also someone he considered family. His father, Rick Brunson, was well-known in the Philadelphia basketball circuits, where Kobe played for Lower Merion High School, and Bryant Sr. played for the Philadelphia 76ers. Additionally, Brunson’s mom was the friend of number 24’s sister, Sharia Washington.

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During the last summer, in an interview with Nike Basketball, Brunson gave his hilarious strategy to contain Mamba on the court. Paying his due respect to the late great Kobe Bryant with a touch of humor, 1A said he will call a timeout and tell the coach to “Put someone else on him“.

Jalen Brunson commends Kobe Bryant for embodying the Mamba mentality

The Mamba was renowned for his tenacious and unwavering focus, which grew his legend. His work ethic and legacy have inspired the superstars of the modern NBA era, such as Jason Tatum and Jalen Brunson. Hailing the late legend for his relentless mindset, here’s what the Knicks’ guard had to say about Kobe Bryant’s influence:

I mean, it’s what he’s been able to do, night in night out. It’s like who he is as a person… It’s what he brought to the table very single night, what his mindset was, he allowed people to think that with his mindset you can achieve anything.

Jalen Brunson on Kobe

Today, Mamba would have been 46 years old if he were still alive. His loss was a tough one to swallow for the entire NBA community, including Brunson, who tweeted, “Please tell me this Kobe news is fake, please,” along with a quote from Bryant that stuck with the 28-year-old to this day: “If you aren’t working to be the best, then why do it at all?”