Derek Harper laughed at the story spun this week, and Jalen Brunson was overpaid to join Knicks.
Wait, watch, said a TV analyst at Mavericks. See how he affects victory.
"People will be shocked by what Jalen Brunson brings to the floor every night," Harper, who made the final difference with Knicks' point guard, posted in a telephone interview on Friday. Told to. The day after Bransonagreed to a four-year $ 104 million deal. "This guy is just special .... I think he's underrated. Until this year, he hasn't got the credit he deserves.
" He's what he sees I was looking forward to it because the bigger the moment, the more he stood up. I don't think I can say that for anyone. Many people move away from big moments and disadvantages. You'll be amazed. "
No one knows more than Harper waiting for 25-year-old Branson in New York. Like Branson, he went from Mavericks to Knicks, but not a free agent, but a trade. Harper had great hopes when he joined the title contenders and helped him reach the 1994 NBA Finals. It took him some time to get used to the pressure cooker, which is Knicks' point guard, but he doesn't think it's a problem for Branson.
"Made for it, it's Born for Harper, who played part of three seasons with Knicks from 1994 to 1996, averaging 11.7 points, 4.8 assists and 1.3 steals, contributing to a 50-win season and five playoff series wins. Said. "There are people with enough brains to put them in cages everywhere, they're going to fight their way, and it's Jalen. Jalen isn't in awe of any player in this league. In fact. , He wants to prove himself to the best. "
Branson grew up in southern New Jersey and has strong ties throughout the Knicks organization. I have. Team President Leon Rose is his former agent. Rose's son, Sam, is his current representative. Branson has a previous relationship with Tom Thibodeau and veteran guard Derrick Rose. His father, Rick, recently joined the staff at Tibodo. Branson knows what he wants.
Harper has been very close to Branson as he has been watching his growth up close, from the second round of 2018 picks to starters and more recently to breakout playoff performers. I am confident. He has seen how hard and hard he works.
Harper jokingly points to the president of the Jalen Brunson fan club, a group that hopes to expand in New York. Harper said he believes Branson will soon be able to not only deserve the big deal he just received, but perhaps even exceed it.
"I just met Jalen's leader, which is why I support him so strongly," Harper said.
Harper was torn this week after reports of Branson heading for Knicks began to appear. He was happy to have a huge deal with what he once called his hometown, but was disappointed that the days of calling Branson's games were over. He loved southpaw not only for the players he became, but also for high-characters.
Harper needs to chase him from a distance. Mavericks' loss is Knicks's profit.
He laughed when Harper suggested that Branson was Knicks' best point guard since running the show, at least on paper.
"Man, I'm 60," Harper said.
This represents a major issue for Knicks in position over the last 25 years. But the last guy who consistently played the place well for them thinks they found the right guy.
"I promise Knicks fans not to be disappointed with Jaylen," Harper said. "He's one of the best young point guards in the league. He's not one of those guys who earned $ 100 million and continued to work with his tech to reach another height.
"Jalen Brunson still has more. You saw what he did during the playoffs ... they have a solid point guard for a long time to come."
