At simply 6’2″, Jalen Brunson has carved out a popularity as a fearless driver, leveraging his quickness and distinctive footwork to attract contact from defenders.
But within the New York Knicks’ latest battle with the Boston Celtics, one thing uncommon occurred—Brunson didn’t try a single free throw.
This shocking growth caught a number of consideration, particularly for a participant who’s usually labeled a “flopper” or “foul hunter.”
Invoice Simmons of The Ringer lately provided a spicy tackle Brunson’s enjoying model, including gasoline to the continuing debate.
Throughout a latest episode of “The Bill Simmons Podcast,” Simmons didn’t maintain again, declaring that Jalen Brunson has turn into “the preeminent flopper in the NBA.”
“He’s flopping on picks. He’s flopping coming off screens. He’s flopping when somebody bumps into him on a drive. He’s flopping for charges. I think he’s the complete package. It was some of the best flopping I’ve seen,” Simmons stated.
Invoice Simmons says that Jalen Brunson has turn into “the preeminent flopper in the NBA”
“He’s flopping on picks, flopping coming off screens, flopping when someone bumps into him on a drive, he’s flopping for charges… I think he’s the complete package” pic.twitter.com/wiFwTFCooZ
— KnicksMuse (@KnicksMuse) February 24, 2025
In Simmons’ view, Brunson has mastered the artwork of promoting contact all through the sport—whether or not he’s drawing offensive fouls, exaggerating bumps whereas driving to the basket, or promoting contact on screens and prices.
Whereas gamers like James Harden and Trae Younger as soon as dominated this facet of the sport, rule modifications and the pure growing old course of might have diminished their effectiveness.
Brunson’s efficiency towards the Celtics left fairly an impression on observers, as he appeared to attract contact throughout numerous areas of the court docket.
Regardless of these efforts, he completed the sport with out a single journey to the charity stripe, suggesting officers allowed a extra bodily model of play that specific evening.
Whereas Brunson does often exaggerate contact, this tactic has turn into commonplace in right this moment’s NBA.
The observe has turn into so widespread that the league has carried out particular measures to deal with flopping.
However, regardless of his popularity for promoting fouls, Brunson isn’t consistently parading to the free-throw line.
Rating solely eighth in free throw makes an attempt this season, the numbers inform a unique story.
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