NEW York Knicks All-Star Jalen Brunson shared what he has focused on to keep himself occupied during his injury rehab process.
The NBA star point guard’s mindset has been all business after suffering a left-hand injury in Game 7 of the second round of the 2024 playoffs and needing surgery.
Brunson put together a magical 2023-24 season, scoring a career-high 28.7 points per game and finishing fifth in MVP voting.
The Knicks had a successful regular season due to Brunson’s services, finishing as the No. 2 seed with 50 wins.
However, after beating the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round, New York lost to the Indiana Pacers in seven games – and Brunson fractured his left hand in the contest to boot.
The 28-year-old underwent successful surgery and has rehabbed throughout the offseason.
Brunson spoke to The U.S. Sun in an exclusive interview, thanks to the couch company Lovesac, and revealed he feels “great” after his recovery and that he plays basketball and works out daily.
“I don’t take too much time off. I like to stay in shape,” he said.
“I’m always trying to make sure I’m working on my game so I don’t have to get ready.
“I’m staying ready as much as I can.”
At the same time, Brunson said he “stays relaxed” in the offseason thanks to his Lovesac Sactionals couch.
The Knicks star said he has redecorated his basement with Lovesac Sactionals and relaxing on it has helped his recovery from his hand injury.
Brunson signed a four-year, $156 million deal this summer and is set to be ready to play when the first game of the season tips off.
The extension helped New York pay other players and bring in talent, including the services of star Mikal Bridges, who played alongside Brunson while playing for the Villanova Wildcats.
New York will hope to have a healthy squad for the 2024-25 season after experiencing numerous injuries last year.
Among the injured stars was Julius Randle, who played just 46 games in 2023 due to a dislocated right shoulder.
He is reportedly making progress after undergoing surgery in April.
While it’s unlikely that Randle will be ready for the start of training camp, the hope is that the All-Star big man will be back by October 22 for the season opener against the defending champion Boston Celtics.
Unfortunately for the Knicks, center Mitchell Robinson will reportedly miss the beginning of the season after offseason ankle surgery.