Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images
Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks
The New York Knicks reached the All-Star break with a 35-20 record, sitting third in the Eastern Conference. Jalen Brunson earned another All-Star selection and traveled to Los Angeles for the weekend’s festivities. He represented New York alongside Karl-Anthony Towns throughout the break.
During media availability, reporters asked Brunson about his teammates. One question focused on the locker room dynamic. DeMarcus Cousins, conducting interviews for the broadcast, asked Brunson to identify the most annoying person in the Knicks locker room.
Brunson’s answer didn’t require much thought. What he said revealed the comfort level within New York’s roster.
Brunson Calls Out Josh Hart
Jalen Brunson didn’t hesitate when asked about the most annoying teammate in the Knicks locker room.
“I’m pretty sure the world saw what he’s done,” Brunson said. “I’m not gonna say his name. Number 3 on the Knicks. He’s the most annoying person ever.”
The description left no ambiguity. Josh Hart wears number 3 for New York. The playful delivery made it clear this wasn’t a real complaint.
Brunson and Hart have played together since their Villanova days. Hart followed Brunson to New York when the Knicks acquired him in a trade. Their connection runs deeper than most NBA teammate relationships, with the pair often trolling each other on social media.
The willingness to joke about Hart publicly shows that comfort. Hart’s personality makes him an easy target for that kind of ribbing. Hart brings energy to everything he does. He’s active on social media and chirps during games. He talks trash to opponents and teammates alike. Those qualities make him valuable to the Knicks’ culture. They also make him exactly the kind of teammate Brunson would jokingly call annoying.
DeMarcus Cousins: “Who’s the most annoying person in your locker room and what does he do to annoy you?”
Jalen Brunson: “I’m pretty sure the world saw what he’s done. I’m not gonna say his name. Number 3 on the Knicks. He’s the most annoying person ever”
Brunson Praises Anunoby
Jalen Brunson was also asked about another teammate, OG Anunoby during his All-Star Weekend media session.
“He’s unique. Great teammate,” Brunson said. “He’s a funny dude, one of the funniest teammates I’ve had. He’s a difference maker when he’s on the court.”
The praise highlighted two aspects of Anunoby’s value. First, his personality. Anunoby contributes to the locker room environment in ways that don’t appear in statistics.
Second, his on-court impact. OG makes a difference when he plays. The defensive versatility Anunoby provides changes how opponents attack New York. He can guard multiple positions. He switches seamlessly. And he disrupts passing lanes.
The combination of attributes makes Anunoby essential to what the Knicks are building. Brunson recognizing that publicly reinforces the team’s internal dynamic.
“He’s unique. Great teammate. He’s a funny dude, one of the funniest teammates I’ve had. He’s a difference maker when he’s on the court”
–– Jalen Brunson on OG Anunoby
Knicks Win Shooting Stars Challenge
Saturday night brought the Shooting Stars Challenge at Intuit Dome. The Knicks duo teamed up with Knicks legend Allan Houston, and Brunson’s Father, Rick, to compete for the title.
The Knicks advanced to the final after posting the highest score in the opening round. They then faced Team Cameron in the championship. The trio hit long-range shot after long-range shot, needing 39 to win. They scored 47 and secured the title.
Brunson and Towns added another trophy to the cabinet after winning the NBA Cup earlier in the season. They will look to build on that momentum after the break.
The Knicks are bringing home the Shooting Stars trophy! ⭐️
Final Word for the Knicks
Jalen Brunson spent All-Star Weekend talking about his teammates. He called Josh Hart the most annoying person ever. He praised OG Anunoby as a great teammate and difference maker. And he won the Shooting Stars Challenge alongside Karl-Anthony Towns.
The Hart comment drew attention because of its playful nature. Brunson feels comfortable enough to joke about his longtime friend on a national platform.
New York sits third in the East at 35-20. The Knicks have established themselves as legitimate contenders. Chemistry between Brunson, Hart, Anunoby, Towns, and the rest of the roster drives that success.
And that chemistry will become crucial when playoff pressure arrives.
Keith Watkins Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins
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