Jalen Brunson: Team USA presence will make me more prepared for Knicks

LAS VEGAS — Jalen Brunson has no issues about his Team USA presence resulting in burnout.

As an alternative, he expects it would assist him hit the bottom operating as soon as the Knicks start coaching camp for the 2023-24 season. 

“I feel it’s one other option to prepare for coaching camp,” Brunson stated following Staff USA’s apply Friday at UNLV because it prepares for the FIBA World Cup. “You gotta have a look at it and see the positives that come out of this, going in the direction of the NBA season. I do know I’ll be prepared for that. I feel for me, my mindset is targeted on this and not likely worrying about what’s occurring forward proper now.” 

Staff USA coach Steve Kerr has but to declare both Brunson or Tyrese Haliburton as his starter at level guard for the World Cup, which can start for the People in three weeks in Manila, Philippines.

Brunson, nonetheless, figures to hold a heavy load for the staff. 

However with 40-minute video games, his minutes workload can be nothing near the 35-per-game threshold he averaged for the Knicks final season, so the group can breathe straightforward realizing he gained’t be run into the bottom.

The school-like format of FIBA competitors might additionally assist Brunson (and for that matter, Knicks teammate Josh Hart, who can be on the staff) work on particular items of his sport — baseline-out-of-bounds performs, for instance, since there are not any sideline inbounds in FIBA. 

The purpose guard is coming off a career-best season, wherein he led the Knicks to a primary playoff sequence victory in a decade, averaging 24 factors and 6.2 assists for Tom Thibodeau’s squad. 

He additionally emerged as a pacesetter within the locker room.

Julius Randle stated Brunson helped push him by means of an ankle damage to play within the postseason. 

“I noticed how laborious he labored,” Randle stated on “The Store: Uninterrupted.”

“I’m a employee and I noticed how diligent he was, his focus degree to it. So JB’s actually pushed me.” 

When the subject was introduced up on Saturday, Brunson shortly deflected credit score. 

“The one factor I observed that Julius does work,” Brunson stated. “That’s a praise coming from him. He has that mindset. I could have helped a little bit, however that’s actually all him. He’s a employee. Is available in each day and does what he has to do. Practices and makes positive he will get all his work in. 

“Whereas I feel I assist in bringing that sort of management to the staff, Julius has at all times had that mindset of having the ability to work laborious.” 

Randle underwent arthroscopic surgical procedure on his left ankle in the beginning of June. He’s anticipated to be prepared for coaching camp. 

“It means lots [that Randle played in the postseason],” Brunson stated. “Man going on the market and risking lots to assist his staff win, what extra are you able to ask for.

“We’ve, clearly, the utmost respect for him. We’re simply ready for him to get wholesome, transferring onto subsequent 12 months and seeing what he can do.” 

The expectation can be raised for the Knicks going into the season regardless of a comparatively quiet summer time. The Knicks signed Donte DiVincenzo, Brunson’s former Villanova teammate, and traded away Obi Toppin.

In any other case, the roster is actually the identical because the group that gained 47 video games final season — simply with raised expectations. 

Brunson taking the subsequent step, then, can be key for the Knicks doing the identical.

He hopes his Staff USA stint will put him on that path. 

“It means lots,” he stated. “This chance doesn’t come round lots. Very choose few folks get this chance. I’m honored. I’m dedicated to it. For me, I simply wish to do one of the best I can. Be myself, actually simply not overdo it. Be myself and go on the market and lead.

“Simply exit and attempt to win gold.”