Pass the Rock S2- Ep. 5: Inside Jalen Brunson’s rise
Jalen Brunson shares how his dad, Rick, contributed to his NBA journey and rise to All-Star status.
Jalen Brunson wasn’t born the tallest, or the most athletic. For him, it’s about being relentless and always wanting more.
“Every step of the way I have always started at the bottom of the totem pole,” Brunson said.
Brunson gives an inside look into his NBA journey on the fifth episode of “Pass The Rock: Season 2,” which streams on the NBA App on Thursday. The NBA Entertainment original provides fans with all-access coverage into the lives of the game’s youngest stars in their on and off-court endeavors
The Knicks’ guard goes in-depth on his relationship with his father, Rick Brunson, a nine-year NBA veteran and current member of the Knicks coaching staff.
“He has my best interest at heart. He knows our relationship is authentic and we know what we both want” Jalen Brunson said.
Brunson, a two-time NCAA national champion at Villanova, describes how he has brought a winning mentality everywhere he’s been. The crafty guard was drafted by the Mavericks in 2018, and spent four seasons in Dallas before joining the Knicks via free agency in 2022.
“I learned that winning is sacrifice,” Brunson said.
Having just been named to his first All-Star team, Brunson has found a home with the Knicks, orchestrating his squad to the No. 4 spot in the East. This season, he’s averaged career-highs in nearly every statistical category and sits at eighth in the league in scoring.
“I learned that confidence is everything … there are days where you’re like ‘am I even supposed to be here’, and there are days where you’re like ‘I belong’, Brunson said.
The first four episodes of the second season of Pass The Rock focused on Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr, Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero and Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton.
Future episodes will feature Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren, Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey and San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama.
