Jalen Brunson had a hysterical response on Tuesday to a surprising update regarding his father’s coaching future with the Knicks.
The point guard’s father, Rick, has been an assistant coach for the team since 2022 – the same summer that his son went to New York in free agency.
However, the Knicks fired head coach Tom Thibodeau last month, and it is not uncommon for assistants to be let go along with their former bosses.
And while the Knicks have yet to settle on a new head coach, it looks as if the elder Brunson will be sticking around regardless.
Veteran NBA reporter Marc Stein wrote in his Stein Line substack that Rick was expected to remain part of the Knicks’ staff – as well as other ‘key holdovers’ from Thibodeau’s staff.
And Brunson had a humorous reaction to that news.
Rick Brunson (left) is reportedly expected to stay on the Knicks’ staff as an assistant. He joined the franchise as a coach the same summer his son, Jalen, signed as a free agent
The father-son duo enjoy a close bond but some fans think it’s time to move on from Rick
‘WHAT?!,’ the Knicks star sarcastically wrote on X in response to the report.
Brunson enjoys a close relationship with his dad, who is known to have coached him with some tough love during his younger years.
However, some fans believe it’s time to move on from Rick.
‘This is not how a healthy team operates. For all the success of the Leon Rose era, nepotism and cronyism are a big part of what will eventually be his legacy,’ one said on X. ‘Hate rooting for a team that employs Rick Brunson.
‘I genuinely think making Rick Brunson stay on the coaching staff has a trickle down effect,’ another said.
Last month, Sam Amico reported for Hoops Wire that multiple Knicks players have been unhappy with Rick’s presence on staff.
The report did not specify what the specific issue with Rick was, though sources suggested to the publication that Rick ‘has had too big a say in things.’
The Knicks fired Tom Thibodeau after the team’s best postseason performance in 25 years
Former Kings coach Mike Brown has reportedly emerged as the frontrunner for the role
Following their first run to the conference finals in 25 years, the Knicks are in the market for a new head coach – and the conclusion of that hunt seems to be getting nearer.
According to multiple reports, former Cavs, Lakers and Kings coach Mike Brown has emerged as the favorite for the job.
Brown is reportedly set to undergo a second interview for the role, while former Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins has also interviewed for the job.
The 55-year-old Brown was fired by the Kings after a 13-18 start to last season – which followed two straight years of 46-plus wins for the struggling Sacramento franchise.
