Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Rick Brunson

How Rick Brunson built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Rick Brunson is a former NBA player and current assistant coach for the New York Knicks. He had a nine-year NBA career and played college basketball at Temple University. After retiring as a player, he transitioned into coaching, holding assistant positions with multiple NBA teams before joining the Knicks.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1991: McDonald's All-American

In 1991, Brunson, attending Salem High School, became one of two McDonald's All-Americans from Massachusetts.

1995: College Graduation and NBA draft

In 1995, Brunson graduated from Temple University and was not drafted by any NBA team.

1997: Signed by Portland Trail Blazers

In 1997, Brunson signed as a free agent with the Portland Trail Blazers.

1998: Played in CBA

At the start of the 1998-99 season, Brunson played again in the Continental Basketball Association.

1999: Member of Eastern Conference Championship Team

In 1999, Brunson signed with the New York Knicks and was a member of the Eastern Conference championship team.

2000: Started with Celtics, Finished with Knicks

In 2000-01, Brunson started off with the Boston Celtics, but finished the season with the Knicks again.

2001: Rejoined Trail Blazers

In 2001-02, Brunson rejoined the Portland Trail Blazers.

2003: Split Season Between Bulls and Raptors

In 2003-04, Brunson split the season between the Chicago Bulls and the Toronto Raptors.

2004: Best Season as a Pro

In the 2004-05 season, Brunson joined the Los Angeles Clippers and had his best season as a pro, averaging a career-high 5.5 points per game.

February 28, 2006: Waived by Sonics

On February 28, 2006, the Seattle SuperSonics waived Brunson. He was subsequently signed by the Houston Rockets.

April 2007: Assistant Coach with Denver Nuggets

From January to April 2007, Brunson worked as an assistant coach with the Denver Nuggets, focusing on player development.

May 2009: Hired as Assistant Coach for Hartford Hawks

In May 2009, Brunson was hired as assistant coach for the Hartford Hawks men's basketball team.

September 8, 2010: Hired as Assistant Coach for Chicago Bulls

On September 8, 2010, Brunson was hired as an assistant coach for the Chicago Bulls.

2012: Assistant Coach for Charlotte Bobcats

During the 2012–13 season, Brunson served as an assistant coach to Mike Dunlap on the Charlotte Bobcats' staff.

September 25, 2016: Hired by Minnesota Timberwolves

On September 25, 2016, Brunson was hired by the Minnesota Timberwolves as an assistant coach.

2020: Resigned from Camden High School

In 2020, Brunson resigned prior to the 2020–21 season while Camden High was ranked the #7 team in the country, but changed his mind a couple days later and remained the coach.