Some fans, former players, and even NBA analysts label some of the league’s best stars as “foul baiters.” They argue that All-Stars such as Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Trae Young, and others focus too much on racking up easy points from the charity stripe. New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson pushed back on this claim on a recent episode of “The Underground Lounge” podcast.
Why Does Jalen Brunson Heavily Disagree With the “Foul Baiting” Allegations?
2015 All-Star point guard Jeff Teague asked Brunson about his stance on getting to the line. “I play by the rules. I’m not a foul baiter. I just play by the rules. Be disciplined on defense. Don’t reach,” responded the two-time All-Star.
Jalen Brunson believes he is not a foul baiter 👀
“I’m not a foul baiter. I just play by the rules. Be discipline on defense. Don’t reach”
(@undergrndlounge) pic.twitter.com/ijt6JIY8iJ
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) December 22, 2025
Brunson averages 6.8 free-throw attempts per game. This number puts him 18th in the league. He shoots an accurate 84.7% from the line, taking advantage of most of his opportunities. The 29-year-old scores 29.1 points per contest, which ranks seventh. New York carries a 121.7 offensive rating – second-best in the NBA.
Brunson’s threat to score upwards of 30 points on any given night forces defenders to play tight, aggressive defense. He argues that he merely takes advantage of defenders overplaying him.
“I’m not saying, ‘Oh, I need to get fouled.’ I’m going to see if there’s contact. I’m shooting the ball regardless. I’m going to score,” Brunson emphasized.
Brunson Goes Into Detail About His Technique
Teague and his co-host asked Brunson about “jumping backwards” into defenders to seek contact after they trail him following a screen. However, the Knicks’ star pushed back on their question. “Hold on. I don’t jump backwards. Go look. Go watch the film. I jump straight up, and you’re running full speed [at me from behind],” said Brunson.
The 33rd pick in the 2018 NBA Draft paints the full picture for this specific scenario. He points out that defenders try their best to get back in front of ball handlers when chasing over screens. However, this is much easier said than done.
The league’s best scorers, Brunson among them, know how to slow down and keep their defender on their back using the hostage dribble. If the defender races to get back in front of Brunson, he can pull up for a sudden jumpshot. The defender’s momentum forces him right into the offensive player. Brunson possesses the innate ability to sense the impending contact. “If you’re running full speed, I’m going to shoot. And if you foul me, you foul me,” said the All-NBA guard.
Brunson does not let the “foul baiter” allegations get to him. He continues to lead a Knicks team that just won the NBA Cup and has more aspirations for a title run in the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
