Jalen Brunson isn't traveling — Knicks star has just mastered pivot move originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Some basketball fans definitely feel that instinct on this move. It's a travel, isn't it?
But no, New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson isn't traveling when he does that step-through move he's mastered. It's just perfect use of his pivot foot.
The key is that, as Brunson lifts that back foot up, he never puts it down again.
It's a lot like taking the proper amount of steps on a traditional layup and jumping off of one leg -- as long as you don't land on the ground again, it's not a travel.
This is Brunson doing the same thing to leave the ground off one leg. He's just doing it while also gaining ground by changing his direction on his legal pivot foot.
Jalen Brunson demonstrating how it's legal to lift the pivot foot so long as you shoot (or pass) before that foot touches the floor again. It's legal at all levels and must be taught to everyone pic.twitter.com/n5ofDnsZTI
MORE: LeBron reveals his own thoughts on the MJ GOAT debate
That post above has earned a lot of engagement, with people on both sides of the coin.
The reality is that this move has become popular at other levels, too. It's not just a thing where NBA refs are letting it go.
When I started watching the WNBA 6 years ago, I couldn’t believe how often this move was used (and used very successfully!). It was like a different sport. Napheesa Collier is a master of it. I’d definitely imagine this grows in popularity on the men’s side, so tough to stop https://t.co/AdQBhXtqyN
MORE: Alperen Sengun is a big Harry Potter fan
It's definitely not an easy move to pull off, but it can be very effective.
Brunson isn't big or particularly athletic, but he's one of the best scorers in basketball anyway. It's in large part because of his historically great footwork.
The Indiana Pacers are depending on a 52.1% draft chance
Why Cameron Boozer is more likely to go 3rd than 1st
Caleb Wilson gets some good NBA Draft news as Jazz, Kings watch
Grizzlies draft projection could swing Ja Morant trade rumors