Jalen Brunson at a crossroads | NBA

Taking the lead behind Luka Doncic must not be easy and must be accompanied by its share of pressure. Not for Jalen Brunson who quickly knew how to impose his paw on Dallas, following his Draft in 33rd position in 2018, with his style as clean as it is effective.

Over the years and opportunities, the son of Rick Bruson has also been able to meet the expectations of his leaders with his regularity, to the point of claiming a big contract at the end of the 2021/22 financial year. Asked by the Bleacher Report, he returned to this evolution which led him to this rather successful first part of the season on a collective and individual level, when he recorded 15.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists in 31 minutes on average.

“Let’s say that my expectations have evolved over time. When I arrived, I wanted to have an impact, to prove that I had my place. Today I really try to focus on the little things, to pay attention to the details,” did he declare. “Because I know I’m able to put the ball in the basket and distribute it to the others. I know what I am capable of. But paying attention to the details made the game much easier. As long as I keep working, keeping the same mindset, wherever I am, whatever I do or how I behave, only good things can happen to me.”

The king’s choice

Unprotected free agent at the end of the season, Jalen Brunson expects to be in high demand, his profile having caught the eye of many franchises, including the Knicks. Will the Mavs take out the checkbook to secure such an important player, even if he plays the same position as their “franchise player”? For the time being, nothing is set in stone and the leader appreciates the prospect of finding himself in a position of strength, with the possibility of signing the most juicy contract or of committing to a project where he will have more responsibilities.

“I’m very excited about it all. It’s a very special moment. I am honored to find myself in this position. The most important thing is that I have good teammates around me who have made my life easier. The teammates I’ve had have put me in many different positions to be successful. Even those in high school and college, they helped push me. And I accepted the challenge each time. My teammates now help me as much as they can. I love them for that. I wouldn’t be in this position without them.”

It remains to pass on February 10 and to end well a season which promises to be exciting with Dallas, before thinking of the rest and the result that he will give to his career.

“I try not to let it affect me at all. These are good problems to have. I guess teams have called about me, but I’m just trying to play and focus on the Mavericks because that’s who I’m with. It’s for them that I’m trying to win games at the moment.”he concluded.