Jalen Brunson, for the first few seasons of his NBA career, played backup for the Dallas Mavericks, a role that surprisingly laid the groundwork for him becoming a bonafide star with the New York Knicks in 2022. It wasn’t the path many expect for an emerging talent, but Brunson wasn’t trying to be just “many players.”
The JJ Barea Blueprint That Shaped a Star
Playing behind Luka Doncic, Brunson easily could have felt stifled, but he chose to see it as a challenge. He knew he had to master his role, believing it would make him a better player in the long run. And for Brunson, mastering that role meant looking to a Dallas legend: JJ Barea. Barea, a longtime Mavericks guard, absolutely shone during their 2011 NBA Finals win against the Miami Heat, cementing himself as the prime example of a backup guard in Dallas. Brunson didn’t just admire him; he used Barea as the literal foundation for his own development.
“Do What’s Asked of You First. Perfect It. Master It.”
Brunson didn’t sit around in Dallas asking for a bigger role. Nope, he focused entirely on helping the team, just like Barea did. It was a conscious choice, one he explained on the Road Trippin’ Show: “My mindset was, I’m filling JJ Barea’s role. He came off the bench for Dallas. He did all these great things for Dallas. That’s where I see myself. I’m gonna work to be better, but that’s where I see myself. That’s where I feel like I can help this team.” He kept it real, adding, “The more you show in your role, the longer your leash gets, the more you’re able to do. People just want to say, ‘Hey, I can do this, I can do that.’ Well, do what’s asked of you first. Perfect it. Master it.” He lived that philosophy, starring in his backup role behind Doncic.
It wasn’t until he joined the Knicks that Brunson got the chance to be the go-to guy, a role he even admitted was a bit surprising and unfamiliar to him at the time. But because he’d put in the work, because he’d perfected and mastered his specific role for years, he was ready. Now, Jalen Brunson is rightfully considered among the very best the NBA has to offer, having absolutely lived up to the hype of being the Knicks’ superstar. He’s already pumped for the Knicks’ opening night clash against the 76ers, ready to keep proving that mastering your spot can take you to the top.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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