New York Knicks Father and Son Duo Discuss Family Balance

Every day is “take your kid to work” day for the New York Knicks assistant coach Rick Brunson and couldn’t be happier.

Brunson described his unique situation with his son jalen on latter The Roommates Show podcastIt details the unique relationship they share on the Knicks bench. The duo has been in New York since 2022 and has led the Knicks to new heights, including Jalen making his first All-Star/All-NBA team last season.

“I don’t even think it’s an issue anymore,” the elder Brunson said when co-host Matt Hillman asked about finding an appropriate balance between father and coach. “I think if I had coached him in college, I don’t think it would have worked out for either of us. But I think it’s perfect timing.”

“He was at a level where he was good enough. I think I was in a position where I felt comfortable, where I just let him be himself. But to be honest, I don’t even think about it anymore.”

Rick earned extensive work as an NBA journeyman (which included parts of three seasons with the Knicks) and assistant coach after his playing days were over, but in 2022 he was the best man at Camden High School in New Jersey.

That changed when the Knicks made a play against his son, who had a strong postseason performance in his fourth season with the Dallas Mavericks. New York signed Jalen to a four-year, $104 million deal shortly after adding Rick to head coach Tom Thibodeau’s staff.

jalen She agreed with her father’s assessment, reasoning that she and Rick should leave business and personal matters to their own devices.

“When we’re on the field, we’re strictly coaches and players,” Jalen said. “But as soon as practice is over, as soon as the match is over, he becomes like father and son. But even after the match, if I played well or badly, he doesn’t call me about things I should have done before. We talk about our match that night the next day.”

“I think our relationship is beyond healthy,” Jalen continued. “So many people have told me I could never let my dad coach me. And I’m like, this is like the coolest/greatest thing ever, I definitely want someone who loves me to always want the absolute best for me and wants to push me every day (there ). It made me better.”

The Brunsons will be back on the court Sunday night when the Knicks host the Brooklyn Nets (7 p.m. ET, MSG).

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