Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart share a close relationship that began much before they became teammates at the New York Knicks. The NBA stars have known each other since their college days at Villanova, where they were roommates. The duo was a big reason the Wildcats won the National Championship in 2016 and 2018.
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Their bond is so deep that they are not afraid to take some playful jabs at each other now and then, knowing all too well how the jokes would be received. This level of banter further cements the brotherhood Brunson and Hart share.
So, when Brunson was asked on media day about whether it was tough being away from Hart during NBA All-Star weekend, the point guard didn’t hesitate to take another shot at his good buddy. Brunson claimed that he enjoyed getting some personal space.
“Thank the lord man honestly,” smirked Brunson. “Probably 2 days we didn’t talk. Then I think closer to today we were talking but it’s been a breath of fresh air.”
“Thank the Lord, man”
Jalen Brunson says it was a “breath of fresh air” to be away from Josh Hart during the All-Star break pic.twitter.com/THJQltgF1y
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) February 19, 2025
Despite the jabs, Brunson and Hart are nearly inseparable. This was a topic of conversation between the two during an episode of their podcast, The Roommates Show.
Brunson hypothetically asked Hart what he would do if the Knicks traded him away. Hart replied he would be “devastated“, but definitely would not cry.
Brunson once called Hart during an interview to ask how he would guard him
The friendship between Brunson and Hart isn’t all just fun and games. Both men are fierce competitors, who hope to bring a championship to the Knicks banking on their tenacity. They’ve even discussed how they would play… against each other.
Back in 2024, an interviewer asked Brunson how he thought Hart would play defense on him. Rather than come up with an answer, he called Hart, and the two had an in-depth basketball breakdown of their matchup. Hart then broke the professionalism when he gave a more candid answer.
“I said smack the sh** out your fata** head,” Hart screamed, leading Brunson and the interviewer to laugh.
(Jalen Brunson calls Josh Hart)
Josh: “What do you want?”
Jalen: “…I’m doing an interview…If you were guarding me how would you stop me?”
Josh: “…You’re gonna do 14 pivots & shot fakes before you shoot…jump into people…get fouls.”
Jalen: “So basically you can’t.”
Josh:… pic.twitter.com/RBWvDyl157
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) February 1, 2024
Here’s to hoping that if Brunson does get traded, Hart keeps his promise and goes for the head.
