The New York Knicks are led by point guard Jalen Brunson. Brunson has turned the Knicks into NBA title contenders since joining New York a few years ago. Mike Brown called him the league MVP, and he certainly puts up strong numbers.
Fans from other teams get frustrated with the way Brunson plays. They call him a “foul-baiter”, claiming he doesn’t actually try to make shots. Fans believe he only tries to draw fouls so he can go to the free-throw line instead of actually getting to the rim.
Brunson disputes that he is actually just trying to draw fouls. In fact, he let everyone know that he believes he is just playing within the rules of the NBA.
GettyNew York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson shoots the ball. (Photo by Evan Bernstein/Getty Images)
Jalen Brunson Disputes Foul-Baiter Label
While appearing on an episode of The Underground Lounge, Brunson says he is far from a foul-baiter.
“I play by the rules. I’m not a foul-baiter. I just play by the rules. Be disciplined on defense. Don’t reach. I don’t jump backwards. Go look. Watch the film. I jump straight up.”
Brunson justified his style of play by putting the onus on the defense to not actually run into him while he’s shooting the ball.
“When I’m going, and the defender’s on the screen, you’re supposed to trail or try to get back in front. If you’re running full speed, I’m gonna shoot. And if you foul me, you foul me. I’m not saying, ‘Oh, I need to get fouled,’ I’m seeing if there’s contact. I’m shooting the ball regardless. I’m going to score.”
Brunson heavily defended the brand of basketball that he plays, claiming that he isn’t doing anything wrong. Claiming he isn’t looking for contact might be stretching the truth, but he is certainly playing within the rules.
GettyNew York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson drives the ball. (Photo by Evan Bernstein/Getty Images)
The New York Knicks Are Riding High Thanks to Jalen Brunson
The Knicks are one of the best teams in basketball thanks to the play that Brunson has been able to give them. Right now, New York sits second in the Eastern Conference standings. The Knicks have the second-best offense in the NBA, largely thanks to Brunson.
Brunson has the best net rating of his career. With him on the floor, the Knicks are a very hard team to beat. He’s getting more rest with Brown now leading the team, so he should be fresher later in the year when New York makes the playoffs.
New York still could end up making a big move to further improve the team. They are one of the teams that are heavily linked to Giannis Antetokounmpo if he ends up getting moved. The Knicks are one of the few teams that have enough assets to get him from Milwaukee.
Leon Rose will be the one in charge of figuring out what the roster is going to look like leading up to and after the trade deadline.
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