Reports surfaced Monday suggesting the NBA may be investigating the New York Knicks regarding the recent promotion of Rick Brunson, father of star point guard Jalen Brunson, to the team’s lead assistant coaching position.
Rick Brunson, who joined the Knicks’ coaching staff in 2022, was elevated to the role of lead assistant this offseason, filling the vacancy left by Johnnie Bryant. Bryant had departed to take a position with the Cleveland Cavaliers after several seasons under Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau.
The timing of Rick Brunson’s promotion, coinciding with Jalen Brunson re-signing with the Knicks in July, has reportedly drawn the league’s scrutiny. Jalen, a critical piece of the team’s roster, took a significant discount in his new contract to provide the Knicks with added salary cap flexibility.
Speculation has emerged that the league is investigating whether Rick’s promotion was part of an improper agreement tied to Jalen’s re-signing.
However, the Knicks have strongly denied any wrongdoing and pushed back forcefully against the notion of an investigation. A statement released by MSG Sports, the Knicks’ parent company, called the rumored probe “offensive” and “harassment.”
“In response to the rumored NBA investigation into Rick Brunson’s promotion, it’s important to clarify that Rick stepped into the lead assistant role formerly held by Johnnie Bryant, assuming the same salary as his predecessor,” the Knicks said in their statement. “It’s offensive to imply that Rick did not earn this promotion based on his qualifications. Rick has been a tremendous asset to our organization and will continue to excel in his new role. We see this as yet another example of undue harassment directed at the Knicks due to our stance on certain NBA matters.”
RELATED: Key Issue Emerges in WBD-ESPN Deal to License ‘Inside the NBA’
Rick Brunson brings extensive experience to the Knicks’ bench, having spent over a decade as an assistant coach in the NBA. His career began with the Denver Nuggets during the 2006-07 season, and he has since held coaching roles with several teams, including the Chicago Bulls, Charlotte Hornets, and Minnesota Timberwolves.
A former NBA player himself, Rick has worked under Thibodeau in the past, further solidifying his credentials.
The Knicks have maintained that Rick’s promotion was entirely merit-based, highlighting his deep coaching resume and prior success within the league.
Meanwhile, the rumored NBA investigation underscores the league’s ongoing efforts to maintain transparency and enforce rules regarding personnel decisions, particularly those involving family members of players.
As of now, no formal investigation has been publicly confirmed by the league, and the Knicks remain adamant in their defense of Rick Brunson and their organizational integrity.
