Knicks Captain Stars in Heartwarming All-Star Story

While this year's edition of NBA All-Star Weekend endured a mostly mixed response, it proved to be unforgettable for one young fan of New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson.

Brunson stars in one of the most heartwarming stories set forth in San Francisco, as X user Chase Jordan documented his son's meeting with Brunson at a Bay Area restaurant shortly after his elimination from the NBA's first tournament-style exhibition. Such a fate set the stage for a joyful encounter.

"My son has his Brunson All Star jersey on," Jordan, a self-described "supercollector," said in his lengthy post. "He knows the rules, do not approach a player if they are having dinner. But it did not stop him from sitting there in complete shock for an hour."

Feb 16, 2025; San Francisco, CA, USA; Kenny’s Young Stars guard Jalen Brunson (11) of the New York Knicks reacts in the game against Chuck’s Global Stars during the 2025 NBA All Star Game at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images | Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Things briefly got tense when Brunson and his party prepared to leave, but the point guard was said to have made the right call on the floor, one Jordan labeled "the biggest class act I’ve seen from a professional athlete."

"Jalen came over to our table before my son could even walk over to him. He saw him wearing his jersey earlier on. Just an unbelievable interaction and obviously seeing firsthand the culture Jalen has brought to the Knicks franchise was tremendous."

Upon Brunson's visit, Jordan's son was faced with a similar quandary that a younger Brunson faced as a child: a popular behind-the-scenes story recalled that Brunson famously declined an autograph from NBA legend Michael Jordan (no relation) so as not to ruin his No. 23 Washington Wizards jersey bearing the immortal's surname. Presented with the same problem, Chase Jordan's son did not hesitate for a second. The threads, Chase Jordan said, will now be framed alongside a photo the two took together.

"[Brunson] already had a fan for life in my son. When an athlete takes the time to create a lifetime experience for a kid it’s just game changing," Jordan said. "He did that last night. A lifetime memory."

There's no doubt that Brunson, who partook in his second consecutive All-Star Game has flipped the Knicks' on-court fortunes and he's also apparently doing what he can to form a similar reputation beyond the hardwood. His work has made him one of the city's most undeniably beloved celebrities and he frequently appears on the shortlist of its most prominent athletic hopes.

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