While Tom Thibodeau’s firing left him with a heavy heart, New York Knicks All-NBA point guard Jalen Brunson is embracing the changes that come with Mike Brown’s hiring.
“I mean, understanding that everyone being new to this is going to take some time, I’m very excited to learn more and understand his philosophy and concepts,” Brunson told reporters during media day. “Once we get started, I’m really going to go off the right path.”
Faster Pace, Easier Baskets
Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty ImagesMike Brown is reshaping how the New York Knicks play.
The Knicks were in the bottom four in pace last season.
Brown, a two-time NBA Coach of the Year like Thibodeau, has stressed a faster pace for the Knicks—not only in transition but also in the halfcourt. This approach contrasts with Brunson’s deliberate style of probing defenses, yet the point guard welcomes the change.
“It could get us more open looks and easier baskets at the rim,” he said. “I think the most important thing is when we get such opportunities, we’ve got to run. It starts on the defensive end—getting out, pushing, and making each other better. I’m just excited for this change.”
More Catch-and-Shoot Opportunities
On top of the faster pace, Brown’s system emphasizes creating easier catch-and-shoot opportunities for all players. Last season, catch-and-shoot attempts made up just 10.5% of Brunson’s total shots, dropping to 7.1% in the playoffs. Under Brown’s egalitarian system, those opportunities are expected to increase.
“One thing I always talked about going into the summer: I don’t really necessarily think about or work on one specific aspect of my game,” Brunson said. “I try to be the most well-rounded player I can be. Once we get started, we’ll see how everything goes. I’m very open to, honestly, anything right now because everything is new. I just want to win—we’ll find a way.”
A Personal Connection to Thibodeau
Getty Former Knicks Coach Tom Thibodeau and Jalen Brunson talks during a break in the game.
The coaching change hits Brunson personally. Thibodeau has known Jalen since he was a baby through a close friendship with Rick Brunson, Jalen’s father, dating back to the 1990s. When Thibodeau took over the Chicago Bulls in 2010, he immediately hired Rick Brunson as an assistant, a connection that would later reunite the family in New York. With Thibodeau gone, Rick Brunson was demoted from associate head coach to a regular assistant under Brown.
Still, Brunson is focused on the present.
“For me, it’s my job to go out there and just find a way to help this team win,” he said. “There are different people in this organization with different jobs and things they have to do to make this team better, and that’s their point of view. For me, I have to just do my job to the best of my abilities.”
Embracing Different Roles
Brown’s system also requires Brunson to share the ball more, a change from his All-NBA seasons, where he dominated the offense. Yet he’s no stranger to playing off the ball.
“I’ve always taken on different roles throughout my career, even in college,” Brunson said. “When I lock in on a role and figure out how I’m going to be the best in it, I’ve done pretty well at it. So I try to keep that trend going.”
Focused on Winning
Brunson’s ascent to elite status came with the ball in his hands. Now, he is tasked with adjusting to a less ball-dominant role to unlock the full potential of the Knicks’ roster.
“Obviously, you have to be willing to adapt and be willing to change, and figure out how we’re going to be the best team possible moving forward,” Brunson said. “If you want to win, you’ll do it. It’s that simple.”
Jalen Brunson Opens Up on Knicks Role Shift Under Mike Brown