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Jalen Brunson may have just reached the pinnacle of professional basketball, but the New York Knicks star already has his sights set on a very different dream.
Fresh off leading the Knicks to an NBA championship and earning NBA Finals MVP honors, Brunson was asked what he hoped to accomplish next. His answer caught many by surprise.
"Try to get on SVU," the 29-year-old told reporters following New York's title-clinching victory in Game 5 on June 13.
The comment was a nod to his friendship with actress Mariska Hargitay, who stars as Olivia Benson on the long-running television drama Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
Following the championship win in San Antonio, Brunson celebrated with those closest to him, including his wife Ali, father Rick, mother Sandra and sister Erica. However, one important supporter was not there to join the festivities in person.
Brunson revealed that he and Hargitay exchanged text messages after Game 1 of the NBA Finals, continuing a friendship that has become one of the more unexpected celebrity connections in sports.
The Knicks guard previously opened up about their relationship during an appearance on The Roommates Show with Jalen Brunson & Josh Hart. Speaking with actor and fellow Knicks fan Ben Stiller, Brunson explained that his admiration for SVU began at home.
He recalled that his father frequently watched the series, which eventually led him to become a fan himself.
Although he is not often starstruck, Brunson admitted meeting Hargitay for the first time was a memorable experience.
He said they immediately connected and enjoyed a great conversation when they were introduced.
The admiration is mutual. During an appearance on Today last week, Hargitay praised Brunson while discussing preparations for her Broadway production, Every Brilliant Thing.
She said she drew inspiration from Brunson's humility, discipline and determination, reminding herself that difficult things can be accomplished through perseverance.
Calling him a magnificent person, Hargitay said she loves the way he carries himself both on and off the court.
Brunson's NBA title marked another major achievement in an already impressive career. After winning two national championships at Villanova, he spent years chasing professional success before finally capturing basketball's ultimate prize.
Despite criticism about his size and impact throughout his career, Brunson answered every doubt during the Finals, delivering a dominant performance that helped secure New York's long-awaited championship.
Now, with an NBA title and Finals MVP trophy in hand, Brunson's next goal may involve stepping onto an entirely different stage, this time alongside one of television's most beloved stars.
