Jalen Brunson viewed himself as a supporting player on Dallas Mavericks
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 2, 2026, 9:43 AM
Last updated Sep 2, 2026
During his four-year tenure with the Dallas Mavericks, Jalen Brunson did not identify as a star player. The current New York Knicks point guard recently stated he viewed his role on the Dallas roster as similar to that of JJ Barea. Brunson prioritized mastering specific duties to earn a larger workload and greater responsibilities within the team system. Although he contributed to the Mavericks' run to the Western Conference Finals in 2022, he entered free agency that summer and joined the New York Knicks. Since relocating to New York, Brunson has transitioned into a primary scoring option and recently led the franchise to an NBA championship.
- •Jalen Brunson played his first four NBA seasons with the Dallas Mavericks.
- •Brunson sought to replicate the impact JJ Barea had as a reserve for Dallas.
- •The New York Knicks signed Brunson as a free agent in the summer of 2022.
- •Brunson led the New York Knicks to their first NBA championship in 53 years.
- 9:43 AMYahoo Sports — Jalen Brunson Shares How He is a ‘Star Role Player’ After Accepting Limited Responsibilities With Mavs
- 8:48 AMYahoo Sports — Jalen Brunson saw himself similar to iconic role player alongside Luka Doncic on Dallas Mavericks
"During his time with the Dallas Mavericks, Jalen Brunson didn’t consider himself the superstar-level player he eventually became with the New York Knicks. It’s hard to believe now, given how successful both stars have been, but Brunson and Luka Doncic entered the NBA at the same time, and were teammates for their first four years in the NBA.
"There are a number of success stories in the NBA, and Jalen Brunson is arguably one of the most relatable. The New York Knicks star led the team to a championship after a 23-year drought. While all five members of the starting lineup played like there was no tomorrow, stepping up as heroes in each [...]
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 2, 2026, 9:43 AMJalen Brunson Shares How He is a ‘Star Role Player’ After Accepting Limited Responsibilities With Mavs
There are a number of success stories in the NBA, and Jalen Brunson is arguably one of the most relatable. The New York Knicks star led the team to a championship after a 23-year drought. While all five members of the starting lineup played like there was no tomorrow, stepping up as heroes in each [...]
- Yahoo SportsSep 2, 2026, 8:48 AMJalen Brunson saw himself similar to iconic role player alongside Luka Doncic on Dallas Mavericks
During his time with the Dallas Mavericks, Jalen Brunson didn’t consider himself the superstar-level player he eventually became with the New York Knicks. It’s hard to believe now, given how successful both stars have been, but Brunson and Luka Doncic entered the NBA at the same time, and were teammates for their first four years in the NBA.
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