Jalen Brunson’s father, Rick Brunson, played guard for multiple NBA teams and later coached and worked in player development.

That background sharpened Jalen’s sense for pace, weak‑side reads, and footwork. Without elite length, he wins with tempo changes, shoulder contact, and low‑center bursts.

The Brunson “guard curriculum” stresses efficient feet and steady decisions: post spins on small guards, elbow floaters after hesitations, and instant pick‑and‑roll reads vs. chasers and help.

In the playoffs, Jalen’s matchup pressure and clutch control outstrip measurables. His father’s methods left a clear imprint—turning technical detail into functional size.