Josh Hart: “I think this is the first year for me that I feel like I solidified myself in being a good player in the league”

Jalen, you said you never thought things would be the way they are, so is there anything specifically that surprised you? Brunson: I’d say I’ve always worked my butt off to be the best player I can be, so the play part, I’m not necessarily surprised by that. I always knew I could achieve whatever I worked for as long as I kept working and had that mindset to never be satisfied with anything, but the things that come with it, like being named the captain, signing an extension, thankfully, being here with my dad (assistant coach Rick Brunson), Thibs (coach Tom Thibodeau), Leon (Rose), and all the guys I’ve known for such a long time like Josh (Hart), Mikal (Bridges), and formerly Donte (DiVincenzo), who I grew up with. There are so many factors where you look at it, and you’re thinking this is something you’d never thought of when making the jump to a new team. That’s what I meant when I said you don’t know what would happen. It’s been remarkable and something I wouldn’t change for anything. -via HoopsHype / March 18, 2025