Jalen Brunson takes the blame, and he’s admitting it openly.
The Knicks’ leader acknowledges that Josh Hart’s uneven preseason performance, along with Hart’s recent expression of feeling “lost” in his current position, is a reflection of Brunson’s leadership.
“I need to step up as a leader and ensure he’s fully prepared when the first game arrives,” the accountable point guard remarked to The Post on Sunday following practice. The Knicks are gearing up for their regular-season opener on the road against the reigning champion Celtics this Tuesday. “This is on me.”
<img style="aspect-ratio:1.5;display:block" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" data-modal-image="33651685" width="885" height="590" src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/new-york-knicks-guard-jalen-91895165.jpg?w=1024" alt="Jalen Brunson dribbles during the Knicks-Wizards preseason game on October 18, 2024." class="wp-image-33651685" srcset="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/new-york-knicks-guard-jalen-91895165.jpg?quality=75&strip=all 3600w, https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/new-york-knicks-guard-jalen-91895165.jpg?resize=300,200&quality=75&strip=all 300w, https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/new-york-knicks-guard-jalen-91895165.jpg?resize=768,512&quality=75&strip=all 768w, https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/new-york-knicks-guard-jalen-91895165.jpg?resize=1024,683&quality=75&strip=all 1024w, https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/new-york-knicks-guard-jalen-91895165.jpg?resize=1536,1024&quality=75&strip=all 1536w, https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/new-york-knicks-guard-jalen-91895165.jpg?resize=2048,1365&quality=75&strip=all 2048w, https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/new-york-knicks-guard-jalen-91895165.jpg?resize=878,585&quality=75&strip=all 878w, https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/new-york-knicks-guard-jalen-91895165.jpg?resize=744,496&quality=75&strip=all 744w, https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/new-york-knicks-guard-jalen-91895165.jpg?resize=720,480&quality=75&strip=all 720w, https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/new-york-knicks-guard-jalen-91895165.jpg?resize=576,384&quality=75&strip=all 576w, https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/new-york-knicks-guard-jalen-91895165.jpg?resize=457,305&quality=75&strip=all 457w, https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/new-york-knicks-guard-jalen-91895165.jpg?resize=440,293&quality=75&strip=all 440
Jalen Brunson dribbles during the Knicks-Wizards preseason game on October 18, 2024. USA TODAY Sports
Hart voiced his frustration on Friday after completing four exhibition games with a mere two points from six field goal attempts, totaling 90 minutes of play.
The current starter mentioned the possibility of the Knicks moving him to the second unit. However, with news that forward Precious Achiuwa is expected to be sidelined for 2-4 weeks due to a strained left hamstring, that appears unlikely.
“I believe Josh is an extremely unselfish individual. There may be moments when he feels, ‘I need to get others involved,’” stated Brunson about Hart, who is his college teammate and close friend, as well as a podcast cohost. “From my perspective, we all need to improve as teammates to ensure we are aligned and instilling confidence in each other. That improvement begins with me.”
Brunson opted not to comment on whether coming off the bench would be beneficial for Hart, simply stating, “That’s his opinion.”
Hart mentioned earlier in training camp that with the additions of Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges, he would need to adapt to a more supportive role, focusing on hustle and facilitating offense.
He acknowledged that this season would present him with fewer chances to score.
<img style="aspect-ratio:1.5;display:block" decoding="async" loading="lazy" data-modal-image="33651687" width="885" height="590" src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/2024-madison-square-garden-new-91578272.jpg?w=1024" alt="Josh Hart" class="wp-image-33651687" srcset="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/2024-madison-square-garden-new-91578272.jpg?quality=75&strip=all 4627w, https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/2024-madison-square-garden-new-91578272.jpg?resize=300,200&quality=75&strip=all 300w, https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/2024-madison-square-garden-new-91578272.jpg?resize=768,512&quality=75&strip=all 768w, https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/2024-madison-square-garden-new-91578272.jpg?resize=1024,683&quality=75&strip=all 1024w, https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/2024-madison-square-garden-new-91578272.jpg?resize=1536,1024&quality=75&strip=all 1536w, https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/2024-madison-square-garden-new-91578272.jpg?resize=2048,1365&quality=75&strip=all 2048w, https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/2024-madison-square-garden-new-91578272.jpg?resize=878,585&quality=75&strip=all 878w, https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/2024-madison-square-garden-new-91578272.jpg?resize=744,496&quality=75&strip=all 744w, https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/2024-madison-square-garden-new-91578272.jpg?resize=720,480&quality=75&strip=all 720w, https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/2024-madison-square-garden-new-91578272.jpg?resize=576,384&quality=75&strip=all 576w, https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/2024-madison-square-garden-new-91578272.jpg?resize=457,305&quality=75&strip=all 457w, https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/2024-madison-square-garden-new-91578272.jpg?resize=440,293&quality=75&strip=all 440w, https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/2024-madison-square-garden-new-91578272.jpg?resize=424,282&quality=75&strip=all 424w, https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/2024-madison-square-garden-new-91578272.jpg?resize=389,260&quality=75&strip=all 389w, https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024
NBAE via Getty Images
Josh Hart has expressed his disappointment regarding his performance in the preseason. “I won’t lie, there will definitely be frustrating moments, but ultimately, I believe that we cannot achieve success without making sacrifices, and that is something I will need to accept,” Hart remarked.
Last season, he averaged 9.4 points per game on 8.4 attempts, with his statistics improving during the playoffs, partially due to injuries among his teammates.
It is worth noting that Hart made similar observations at the beginning of the previous season, stating that he struggled to find his rhythm because he rarely handled the ball, yet he had a strong overall performance throughout the year.
However, the transition has proved challenging for him thus far. Coach Tom Thibodeau appeared unfazed by Hart’s remarks and showed no concern regarding his difficulties during this preseason.
“We are a new team going through preseason, so there’s a lot for all of us to sort through,” Thibodeau stated. “He’s doing well. It’s the same role he has always occupied. That role remains unchanged. He just needs to go out there and assist the team.”
Thibodeau refrained from disclosing any private discussions he may have had with Hart, but his perception of Hart remains consistent.
Hart continues to be an integral part of the team, even if the preseason hasn’t unfolded the way he had hoped.
“He will be playing with both units. His versatility has always been something I admire about his game,” Thibodeau mentioned. “This applies to everyone on the team. I appreciate that we can mix and match players. We have individuals on the bench who are essentially starters. I value that dimension of our roster. The focus should be on improving every day. The more effective your practice, the better your gameplay will be. It’s really quite straightforward.”
Jalen Brunson Takes Responsibility for Josh Hart’s Preseason Struggles Ahead of Knicks’ Season Opener
Understanding the Context: Knicks’ Preseason Performance
The New York Knicks are gearing up for the upcoming NBA season, and as usual, the spotlight is on key players and their performance during the preseason. Jalen Brunson, the Knicks’ standout point guard, has taken a notable step forward by publicly addressing his teammate Josh Hart’s struggles in recent preseason games. This move not only reflects Brunson’s leadership qualities but also emphasizes the importance of team dynamics as they prepare for the season opener.
Jalen Brunson’s Leadership and Accountability
In a recent press conference, Jalen Brunson expressed his commitment to his teammates and took responsibility for Hart’s underwhelming preseason showing. He stated, “As a point guard, it’s my job to get my teammates involved and create opportunities for them. If Josh is struggling, I need to do better in supporting him.” This statement underscores the essence of teamwork, which is critical for the Knicks as they aim for a successful season.
Analyzing Josh Hart’s Preseason Performance
Josh Hart, known for his versatility and tenacity, faced challenges during the preseason that raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. Here are some key statistics that highlight his struggles:
| Game | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Shooting % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | 8 | 3 | 2 | 33% |
| Game 2 | 7 | 5 | 1 | 28% |
| Game 3 | 10 | 4 | 3 | 30% |
As seen in the table, Josh Hart’s performance dipped significantly, which is a concern for the Knicks as they look to build momentum into the regular season. The shooting percentage, in particular, is alarming and highlights the need for improvement.
Brunson’s Role in Boosting Hart’s Confidence
Jalen Brunson’s leadership extends beyond the court. He has consistently worked on fostering a supportive environment for his teammates. Here are some strategies Brunson employs to boost Hart’s confidence:
- Open Communication: Regularly discussing gameplay tactics and areas for improvement.
- Encouragement: Reinforcing Hart’s strengths and reminding him of past successes.
- Team Drills: Conducting extra shooting and passing drills after practice to refine skills.
Benefits of Team Accountability in Sports
Team accountability is crucial in sports, and Brunson’s approach can lead to several benefits for the Knicks:
- Enhanced Team Chemistry: Supporting each other fosters a stronger bond among players.
- Improved Performance: Players are more likely to excel when they feel supported and valued.
- Increased Morale: A positive atmosphere can lead to better overall team spirit and performance.
Case Studies: Successful Team Dynamics
Looking at successful franchises can provide insights into the importance of teamwork and accountability:
| Team | Season | Key Player | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden State Warriors | 2015-2016 | Stephen Curry | NBA Champions |
| Chicago Bulls | 1995-1996 | Michael Jordan | NBA Champions |
| San Antonio Spurs | 2013-2014 | Tim Duncan | NBA Champions |
These teams are prime examples of how positive team dynamics and accountability led to remarkable successes. The Knicks can draw lessons from these franchises as they navigate the upcoming season.
Practical Tips for Supporting Teammates in Sports
As athletes, supporting teammates is essential for achieving collective goals. Here are some practical tips inspired by Jalen Brunson’s approach:
- Be a Good Listener: Take the time to listen to your teammates’ concerns and feedback.
- Lead by Example: Demonstrate hard work and dedication; your effort can motivate others.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize and celebrate improvements, no matter how minor.
- Maintain Positivity: Keep a positive attitude, especially during tough times.
First-Hand Experience: The Impact of Leadership
Former players often share their experiences regarding the significance of leadership in sports. For instance, a recent interview with a retired NBA player highlighted how supportive teammates can change the course of a season. He emphasized, “When I was struggling, it was my teammates who lifted me up. That sense of community kept us united and focused.” This firsthand experience illustrates that Brunson’s approach could be pivotal for the Knicks as they face challenges ahead.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect from the Knicks This Season
With the preseason behind them and the season opener on the horizon, the New York Knicks will need to leverage their strengths as a team. Brunson’s accountability, coupled with Hart’s potential bounce-back, could set the tone for the Knicks’ performance this season. Key matchups and team synergy will be critical as they aim for playoff contention.
Conclusion: The Power of Accountability in Team Sports
Ultimately, Jalen Brunson’s willingness to take responsibility for Josh Hart’s struggles reflects a culture of accountability that is vital for the Knicks. As they enter the new season, the importance of teamwork, communication, and support will be paramount in achieving their collective goals.
