Better story

Monday, June 15

“Ceiling isn’t high.”
“Inability to blow by opponents or explode vertically.”
“In all likelihood, will carve out a career as a valued backup.”
“Lacks the physical tools or outlier skills to have much upside beyond a backup role.”
“While he’s learned to play as an average athlete, he will likely struggle trying to create separation.”

This is what the experts said about Jalen Brunson. And he could’ve listened. He could’ve said, “These are the experts. They know what they are talking about.” And that could’ve been his story.

But he believed better about himself. He heard their story but told himself a better one. And that belief drove his actions. And those actions kept putting him in better and better position.

Today, his story is that he is the undisputed leader of one of the most storied franchises in the NBA. He is an NBA Champion. He is a Finals MVP.
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Not bad for someone who was supposed to be a backup with a low ceiling.

People have tried to tell you what your story will be. They have tried to put limitations on you. They’ve looked at your flaws and decided they were final. With good intentions and maybe even expertise, they have told you where you fit in.

You can believe them. Or you can write your own story.
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Keep chopping wood. 🪵🪓

-Kevin