PHOENIX — Jalen Brunson clarified that he is avoiding discussing the NBA’s investigation into his father’s promotion and contract, which some view as a possible violation of salary cap rules. However, the Knicks point guard did not hesitate to defend Rick Brunson’s skills as a coach.
“He’s more than qualified for this position,” Jalen said Wednesday morning, strongly supporting his father’s credentials. “He has extensive experience in the NBA, and he’s been around (Tom Thibodeau) longer than he’s been in the league. He completely understands the business side of things, the game itself and the role of head coach Just look at how he mentored me and the impact he had on players at all levels of basketball—high school, college and professional.”
In a statement released Monday evening, the Knicks denounced the NBA’s investigation into Rick’s promotion to senior assistant. The league’s investigation appears to have been triggered by the timing of Jalen’s favorable contract extension, implying a connection between the two—raising suspicions of salary cap circumvention.
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MSG Sports responded by calling the NBA’s assumptions “offensive,” noting that Rick Brunson was taking over after Johnnie Bryant left for Cleveland. They praised Rick, noting his decade of coaching experience across five NBA teams, including three under Thibodeau. “He has done an excellent job and will continue to excel in his role,” the statement said.
In conclusion, MSG Sports perceived this investigation as harassment against the Knicks, especially since owner James Dolan is in conflict with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.
Jalen also mentioned that the NBA hasn’t contacted him regarding his father; although a league source confirmed the Knicks were in contact. A league spokesperson chose not to comment.
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A firm believer, Jalen has often credited his father with being the pillar of his basketball development. Rick, who was instrumental in Jalen’s transformation from a natural right-handed shooter to a lefty, remembers their early days with a Little Tikes hoop. “He worked tirelessly with me from the moment I expressed my desire to play professionally. Every day, no matter what mood I was in, he would ask me before and after every training session: ‘Is this what do you want to do for a living?’ and my answer has always been: ‘Yes.’
“He pushes me every day, and continues to do so.”
Rick, a veteran assistant in both the NBA and NCAA and a successful head coach at Camden High School—where he captured the 2022 Tournament of Champions title in New Jersey—also had a nine-year playing career seasons in the NBA, including three years with the Knicks when Thibodeau was an assistant coach.
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Rick joined the Knicks as an assistant coach in the same season Jalen signed as a free agent in 2022. Former Mavericks owner Mark Cuban once claimed that Rick was the reason Jalen had not re-signed with Dallas, stating that negotiations broke down once Rick took a more involved role.
In response, Rick pointed out that the Mavericks chose not to keep Jalen when they had the opportunity, making a “business decision” that allowed him to enter the free agent market. “I didn’t interfere; I got involved, but I’m a father first and a coach second,” he remarked.
This follows an earlier NBA investigation into the signing of Jalen, which resulted in sanctions for the Knicks for skirting the rules and the loss of a second-round pick. Recently, Rick also made headlines after a verbal exchange with Donte DiVincenzo, a former Knick now with the Timberwolves, but they reportedly quickly settled their differences.
