Jalen Brunson and the Dallas Mavericks looked like a perfect match. As a young and talented guard, he provided a huge spark for the Mavs offensively, and they provided him with the chance to play a big role on a contending team.
After making a run to the Western Conference Finals this spring, it was thought that Brunson would return to Dallas to finish what he and his co-star, Luka Doncic, started.
But just weeks after being eliminated from the postseason, Brunson left the Mavericks to pursue a career with the Knicks. In his most recent statement on the move, he thanked Dallas for taking a chance on him and claimed that he never thought he would leave.
“For the longest time I thought I would never leave Dallas. I thought Dallas was my home for my entire career. It’s a place I really wanted to be and I’m so thankful they took a chance on me.”
https://twitter.com/LegionHoops/status/1549544007012741120
It’s not the first time that Jalen has reflected on his time in Dallas. Shortly after inking his deal with the Knicks, he sent this heartfelt message to the Mavericks and their loyal fans:
“Dallas, thank you for everything! You have embraced me from the moment you drafted me,” Brunson wrote. “You believed in me and were able to watch me grow as a person and a player. This city will forever hold a special place in my heart. Thank you Mark, Nico, JKidd, and the rest of the coaching staff for putting me in a position to succeed. My teammates, without you, none of this would’ve been possible. You guys made my life easier on the court but you were all better people off it. I couldn’t be more thankful for the training staff, strength and conditioning staff, and the rest of the organization with their unconditional love and support. Lastly, the fans. You guys have been there every step of the way with me. Thank you for making my experience in Dallas incredible. Even if most of you are Cowboys fans, you guys accepted an Eagles fan without hesitation. Thank you for everything. Always Love.”
It’s hard to say how the Mavs will handle Brunson’s departure. Someone else will have to step up and make up for the loss if they want to continue their upward trajectory.
In New York, Jalen hopes to make a name for himself as he lifts the Knicks out of their seemingly neverending drought. We will see soon enough how he makes out…
