Jalen Brunson has taken to societal precautions as the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic continues to spread, much like most people throughout the U.S.
He stays home to keep himself and his family healthy, continues to support the Dallas community as part of the Mavericks’ massive, ongoing donation efforts and tries to stay occupied and engaged.
Yes, he has watched Tiger King.
But as many wait for updates about the NBA’s hopeful resumption of the 2019-20 season, Brunson’s return to action will come on a different timeline because the former Villanova national champion had surgery March 13 to repair the torn labrum in his right shoulder.
During a recent phone interview with The Dallas Morning News, Brunson explained the decision-making process behind his surgery and current recovery, his best video game and Netflix recommendations and how he plans to make good on the Cowboys-related bet he lost to Luka Doncic.
Below are his answers, lightly edited for length and clarity.
Q: How’s recovery been going?
A: It’s been good. It’s a little bit annoying right now considering I can’t really go in to get physical therapy every day at the facility, or anything like that, but I’m making everything work. I have a nice little setup at home now where I can just wake up, do everything I have to do in the morning and then take a couple-hour break and then do it again in the afternoon. So I’m making it work and just trying to stay positive.
Q: Did you plan to have the surgery during the season, or did you see the NBA’s suspension as a good window to get it done?
A: I truly was trying to get back and trying to finish the season out. But also in the back of my mind, I wasn’t putting surgery off and saying it wasn’t a possibility. The morning of the day the NBA shut down, we were talking about when I could get it done if I wanted to get it done -- just hypothetically -- and then that night is when everything started happening, so we said ‘Hey, let’s get it done ASAP.’ We didn’t know how long this was going to be, how long it was going to take.
Q: No one knows when the NBA will resume, but do you have plans to come back if the season gets significantly extended?
A: As of right now, I think it’s ruled out. I think we’re just planning on next year’s training camp. That’s if everything is going along schedule. But as of right now, I’m just focusing on rehab and getting back to full strength.
Q: Aside from rehab, how else have you stayed occupied?
A: Honestly, just always trying to catch up with people. I find myself FaceTiming all day, talking to people all day. Obviously video games helps, watching old basketball games helps. Just trying to do something, trying to connect with other people. Just doing something. Put your mind to something. I don’t know. It’s such a weird situation.
Q: How have you kept in touch with teammates and coaches?
A: It’s been pretty easy. The group chat is still firing away. We all still talk. I talked to Coach Carlisle the other day. Everyone is pretty much staying in touch. It’s been fairly easy.
Q: What are your social-distancing recommendations for Netflix and video games?
A: I’ve been playing a lot of FIFA, and I’ve been playing a lot of Call of Duty. I actually got a Nintendo Switch and am reliving my childhood days playing Mario Kart with my sister. And Netflix-wise, I’m finishing Season 3 of Ozark right now.
Q: We’ve seen you bantering on social media with Doncic about video games. Who’s the Mavericks’ best gamer?
A: I don’t know. Everyone has their certain games, but Luka definitely got the best of me in FIFA that one time. I’ll give him that.
Q: “That one time” also meant you lost a bet and have to wear a Cowboys jersey to the next home game? Any idea who you’ll pick?
A: I have no idea, no idea. I don’t know. Maybe an old one. Maybe Terrell Owens, considering he played for the Eagles too, so I can do that.
Q: Anything else you want to add?
A: Just make sure that everyone stays healthy, everyone just does their part in this and let’s hurry up and get this over with.
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