Dallas Mavericks: Jalen Brunson modeling his game after Steve Nash

Dallas Mavericks second-round draft choice Jalen Brunson is modeling his game after soon to be Hall of Fame point guard Steve Nash.

The Dallas Mavericks drafted Jalen Brunson with the 33rd overall pick in 2018.  He is an older rookie after playing three years at Villanova.  Brunson turned 22 days on Aug. 31.  He led the Wildcats to two national championships in his three seasons as their starting point guard, though.

Brunson is going to wear number 13 this season.  The Mavericks had a famous point guard play in number 13.  Soon to be Hall of Famer Steve Nash wore it during his six seasons in Dallas.  It is easy to forget, but Nash had his breakout with the Mavs.  He became an NBA starting point guard for the first time and made his first two All-Star teams.  Maybe the reason why Brunson wears his number is not a coincidence.

Brunson’s favorite player

Jalen Brunson went on the Numbers on the Boards podcast and spoke about his love of watching Steve Nash play and his admiration for the finer points of Nash’s game.  You can see a clip of the interview here courtesy of the Mavericks official Twitter account.

Modeling your game after a legend and Hall of Famer is a brilliant move by Brunson.  He has some favorable genetics too as his father Rick Brunson played nine NBA seasons and went on to coach in the league.

Nash enters the Hall

Steve Nash is part of the 2018 Hall of Fame class.  The induction ceremony takes place on Saturday, Sept. 8.  The Mavericks are sending a large contingent as both Nash and Jason Kidd are members of the class.   You can read more about who each chose as their presenter here.

Final thoughts

Dallas Mavericks rookie point guard Jalen Brunson is modeling his game after Steve Nash.  Brunson’s attention to detail displayed in the interview could mean big things for his career.  He has won at every stop so far and Brunson may prove to be the steal of the draft five years down the line.

The young man will be given the keys to run the Mavs second unit soon enough.  That will be his first NBA test and expect him to pass it with flying colors.  Keep an eye on Brunson’s play all season because it might surprise some people.

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