Key Takeaways:
– New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson dispels rumors of an alleged conflict with former coach Rick Carlisle.
– Brunson stresses his respect for Carlisle and credits him with shaping his NBA career.
– Rick Carlisle heaped praise on Brunson, admiring his growth as a player.
– Brunson’s performance has significantly improved since Carlisle left the Dallas Mavericks.
New York Knicks star, Jalen Brunson, is all about the game despite unfounded rumors concerning a supposed conflict with his former coach Rick Carlisle, now leading the Indiana Pacers. Brunson swiftly dispelled these rumors, choosing instead to focus on the ongoing playoffs.
Clearing the Air
When quizzed about ESPN writer Tim MacMahon’s narration of the presumed beef between him and his ex-coach, Brunson responded in jest, “That’s a good question.” The ESPN writer’s clip came from the “Hoop Collective” podcast on May 3, where MacMahon discussed Brunson being benched during a pivotal series.
Quick to douse fires, Brunson stated, “Coaches make decisions that better suit their teams. Whatever happened happened, and we’re moving forward from there.” His mature approach cuts through the drama, reminding everyone that basketball for him is a business.
Rising from the Bench
Brunson’s brief stint on the bench during the Mavericks’ Game 7 loss in the first round of the 2021 NBA playoffs turned out to be Carlisle’s final game with the team. Following his tenure under Jason Kidd, Brunson’s consistent performance earned him a lucrative, four-year deal worth $104 million with the Knicks in the 2022 free agency.
With his focus firmly on the playoffs, Brunson disclosed after Saturday’s practice, “The past is the past. Rick welcomed me into the league and helped me develop into the player I am today.”
The Knicks star possesses an undeterred spirit, which he hopes will lead the shorthanded Knicks past the Pacers in the second-round of the playoffs, starting on Monday, May 6 at Madison Square Garden.
Carlisle’s Respect for Brunson
Brunson’s former coach, Rick Carlisle, who recently guided the Pacers to their first playoff series win since 2014, holds his former player in high regard. “Jalen Brunson is a guy you would never bet against,” Carlisle opined. He admires not just Brunson’s skill, but also his character, which he feels is responsible for his outstanding performance in the past two years.
Brunson’s performances under Carlisle and Kidd, and with the Knicks, indicate a consistent increase in his productivity. His virtuous conduct off-court has been as commendable as his exceptional game performances.
Hoping to Replicate Collegiate Success in NBA
Before making Brunson the 33rd pick in the 2018 draft, Carlisle had conducted research in Villanova, where everyone unanimously declared Brunson the greatest player their institution had ever hosted. He now hopes to channel his two national championships from Villanova into bringing glory to the Knicks.
Emphasizing his joy of having worked with Brunson, Carlisle stated, “He’s very special, he was great to work with in Dallas for what I think was three years.” This admiration from a former coach only further highlights Brunson’s hard work and dedication to his craft. Despite the rumors, the mutual respect between Brunson and Carlisle continues to remain evident.