Mike Brown isn't bother by accusations that his star guard baits fouls.
Jalen Brunson has blossomed into a superstar in his time with the New York Knicks and this season he's stood out more than ever before.
Brunson is averaging 26.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 6.6 assists per game while shooting 46.4% from the field and 37.7% from three point range.
It's the highest points per game that Brunson has averaged in his his career and the way that he's exploded offensively this season and how he's been helping the Knicks rise to become one of the best teams in the NBA has not only made him an All-Star this season for the third time in his career, it's also put him into the MVP conversation.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) shoots the ball in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn ImagesBrunson is obviously beloved in New York for what he's been able to do for the Knicks and the conversation around him is proof of the acclaim he's receiving on a national level, but there is one aspect of his game that his detractors aim at when levying their complaints and that's how often Brunson brings himself to the free throw line.
Brunson Accused of "Foul Baiting"
Some have called Brunson's method "foul bating" and that he tried to game the system by drawing fouls to get himself free scoring opportunities each game by drawing contact that forcing the opponent to foul him or over-acting each time someone does make contact with him so he can convince referees.
Although, if you ask Knicks head coach Mike Brown about Brunson's alleged "foul baiting" he won't be too concerned.
Utah Jazz forward Ace Bailey (19) looks to block a shot from New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) during the second half at Delta Center. Peter Creveling-Imagn Images"The numbers speak factually. They for themselves," Brown said (via NBA_NewYork). "We're not concerned about that. He's just gotta keep being aggressive and being in that MVP race like we know he is"
Numbers Don't Lie
Looking at the numbers, Brunson may not be as guilty of "foul baiting" as some might think. The Knicks superstar is averaging 6.8 free throw attempts per game this season, which is 21st in the NBA and lower than players like Donovan Mitchell, Cade Cunningham and Anthony Edwards.
For reference, reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, whom Brown criticized for some "foul bating" of his own after the Knicks and Oklahoma City Thunder faced off earlier in the month, averages 9.2 free throw attempts per game and the league's leading scorer Luka Doncic also leads the league in free throw attempts with 10.2 per game.
Brunson may have a reputation for flopping or drawing fouls, but the numbers themselves don't support him being one of the most egregious offenders of this strategy. In fact, Brunson's free throw attempts per game are lower this season than they have been the previous two.