Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Rick Brunson

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 10, 2025

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

Rick Brunson is an American professional basketball coach and former player. He currently serves as an assistant coach for the New York Knicks in the NBA. Before coaching, Brunson had a nine-season career in the NBA as a player. He honed his skills playing college basketball for the Temple Owls.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1995: No NBA draft

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

1997: Signed by Portland Trail Blazers

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

1998: CBA play

In 1998, Brunson played again in the CBA at the start of the 1998–99 season.

1999: Eastern Conference Championship

In 1999, Brunson was a member of the New York Knicks, who won the Eastern Conference championship.

2000: Played for Boston Celtics

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

2001: Rejoined Trail Blazers

In 2001, Brunson rejoined the Portland Trail Blazers.

2003: Signed with Chicago Bulls

In 2003, Brunson signed with the Chicago Bulls, and later split time between the Bulls and the Toronto Raptors in 2003-04.

2004: Signed with Los Angeles Clippers

In 2004, Brunson joined the Los Angeles Clippers for the 2004-05 season, during which he achieved his best season as a professional, averaging 5.5 points per game.

February 28, 2006: Waived by Seattle SuperSonics

On February 28, 2006, the Seattle SuperSonics waived Brunson. He was subsequently signed by the Houston Rockets, with whom he finished his ninth and final season as a professional basketball player.

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: Coached at Camden High School

In 2020 Brunson coached at Camden High School, New Jersey. He resigned prior to the 2020-21 season but changed his mind and remained the coach until 2022.