Old Video Shows Influence Jalen Brunson's Former NBA-Playing Dad Had On His Career
Last Friday, New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson had a performance for the ages.
He had a career-high 50 points in a win against the Phoenix Suns. Brunson also finished with nine assists, six rebounds, five steals while making nine 3-pointers. The moment led to the resurfacing of an old training video featuring he and his dad, Rick, a former NBA player whose career spanned from 1997-2006.
"Tired is for the weak," the elder Brunson says to his son on a playground. "Mentally strong. Go."
The video shows the father teaching his son the pull-up jumper. It has since become a staple in Jalen's game. Jalen Brunson is averaging 25.3 points and 5.9 assists this season.
"Harder," Brunson says to his son in the video. "Jog back. Go get the ball. It's going to the fence if you don't jog back. Here we go. Go!!"
Brunson is now an assistant coach with Knicks. His playing career never reached the level of his son's. After going undrafted out of Temple, where he teamed with future NBA players, Aaron McKie and Eddie Jones, he spent one year in the CBA.
He was then signed by the Portland Trail Blazers in 1997. Brunson was also on the 1999 Knicks team that became the first No. 8 seed to make the NBA Finals.
Even though he was a league journeyman, he can take solace in helping his son become one of the league's top players.
Shandel Richardson is the Publisher of Back In The Day NBA. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com
TWITTER: @ShandelRich
Follow all of our Miami Heat/NBA coverage on Facebook here
Subscribe to our YouTube channel here
For any Heat or NBA questions, please email shandelrich@gmail.com
In This Article (2)
