Dallas Mavs’ Jason Kidd: ‘Never Discount’ New York Knicks Jalen Brunson’s Future Hall of Fame Chances
After Jalen Brunson of the Mavericks recently set a new career high with 50 points for the Knicks, Mavs coach Jason Kidd had nothing but praise for the former guard.
Portland, Oregon Jalen Brunson, a former star of the Dallas Mavericks, is still putting on fantastic performances for the New York Knicks. On Friday, he set a new career high with 50 points against the Phoenix Suns.
Kevin Durant, a rival basketball player, praised Brunson’s performance and called the Knicks star “a Hall of Fame player if he keeps it up.”
In addition to being a Hall of Fame point guard, Jason Kidd led Brunson’s Dallas Mavericks team for four seasons. Kidd stated that he would “never discount” what Brunson can accomplish in his career. Kidd praised Brunson for his winning mentality and willingness to go above and beyond in the game.
Regarding Brunson, Kidd remarked, “I would never discount Jalen.” “He’s got a grudge against me. He is familiar with how to play the game. His basketball IQ is very high. We’ve seen how he shoots the ball as a Maverick last night, and he added 50 points to help his team win. That’s his main focus. He wants to support his group. Thus, if he keeps up those kind of stats, then he will undoubtedly become a Hall of Famer.”
After leaving the Mavericks in the summer of 2022 to sign a $104 million, four-year contract with the Knicks, Brunson has only gotten better in his career. The Villanova product has averaged 25.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3 assists in 24 games.
Taking the lead initiator position, Kidd was pleased with Brunson’s handling of his bigger opportunity with the Knicks. Similar to when he was in Dallas, Brunson is not afraid to step up in crucial situations, and this season, he may earn his first All-Star selection.
Kidd described Brunson’s leadership style as “just that.” “He likes to take the lead. He aspires to be a boss. He puts a lot of effort into his game. He’s not scared of the big moment, and you can see that as he moves over there. He’s doing very well there.”
Kidd does not discount the contribution Brunson has made in spite of the pressures he has faced as the Knicks’ star player. Brunson keeps delivering in spite of the increased demands and media criticism that come with the job.
“It’s not easy to thrive in New York with the media or whoever; there’s a lot of doubters, so he’s not afraid of that,” Kidd stated. “I believe he enjoys that circumstance. Thus, I’m glad he’s performing well.”
The Mavericks’ next opportunity to play Brunson is on January 11, which will be Brunson’s first visit to American Airlines Center since leaving Dallas.
