Warriors head coach Steve Kerr already knew Knicks star Jalen Brunson was already “a really good player” earlier than he rose amongst the NBA’s greatest in blue and orange at Madison Sq. Backyard.
Kerr, who coached Brunson in the course of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, didn’t consider a lot had modified within the guard’s recreation from the time he performed underneath him in Asia.
However the head coach believes Brunson comfortably and voluntarily grew to become “the guy” after inking a long-term cope with the Knicks after leaving the then Luka Doncic Mavericks in 2022.
“To me, we played him against Dallas [in the 2022 Western Conference Finals] and he was obviously a really good player at that time,” Kerr mentioned of Brunson, who averaged 18.0 factors, 4.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists on 46% taking pictures from the sphere and 40.9% from downtown earlier than shedding to the Warriors in 5 video games.
“But when he left Dallas and came here, just seemed like he took on a different role, responsibility. [He] became the guy, embraced it immediately in New York.”
Brunson’s transition to New York energized a Knicks fanbase eager for an All-Star level guard, a feat that beforehand wasn’t completed since John Starks acquired chosen within the 1993-94 season.
Brunson has since earned the nod twice, this time as a starter within the 2024-25 season alongside newcomer Karl-Anthony Cities. Since touchdown within the Large Apple, Brunson is averaging 26.1 factors, 7.4 assists and three rebounds. And his play this season places him in competition for a second All-NBA choice on a Knicks staff preventing to make a deep postseason run after developing quick to the Pacers, 4-3, within the Japanese Convention Semifinals spherical in 2024.
“That’s pretty impressive… for a team, a city desperate for success for the Knicks. So it’s just the responsibility that he shoulders and then building on his game and getting better and better,” Kerr mentioned. “So I don’t necessarily think there was a big change from when he got to USA Basketball. To me he took that leap when he got to New York.”
FIBA LEARNING FROM NBA
Kerr, the two-time Crew USA gold medalist head coach, mentioned officers refereeing FIBA video games could have adopted the way in which NBA refs dictate touring violations, which appeared a lot tighter in worldwide competitions.
“I noticed that the FIBA refs were learning from the NBA refs. There was so much traveling. It’s an epidemic. It’s worldwide. I’m committed to putting a stop to it,” the pinnacle coach mentioned with a smile on his face.
“I think we’ve gotten so loose with it, and I just feel like … it’d be such a better game. The league’s always been great too about adjusting and adapting when things get too carried away. And I love what’s happened this year,” Kerr mentioned of FIBA.
He added that FIBA play has allowed extra physicality and known as fewer contact fouls.
