The more I think about it, the more I see shades of Jalen Brunson in Brock Purdy’s game. Brunson plays a type of basketball that all of us can play, winning with intangibles like craftiness and toughness and smarts. Superior use of angles and footwork and timing and accuracy. It’s not as visceral of a dominance as someone like a Wemby dunking from the 3pt line, but that mental type of dominance is actually more important for winning games.
I feel like every year Brunson’s played since his early Mavs
days he’s gotten better and better, adding an element to his game, better understanding the game and being able to more quickly get to his spots. That journey of constant, continual improvement of a player who’s already so finesse / touch / “upstairs” oriented feels so familiar between the point guard and the quarterback. The tight-window throws on the run for Purdy and the crazy midrange stepbacks in the NBA Finals for Brunson seem like they’re just magically happening in a burst of glory, but they’re actually culminations of years of relentless practice, film study, and growth.
I’m just wish casting for Purdy to have the same outcome as Brunson. That’s all this is. On with the links..
Mykel Williams returns to 49ers practice Wednesday for first time since injury
“The 49ers opened the practice window for DL Mykel Williams, who remains on PUP after sustaining a torn ACL last season. The 2025 first-round draft pick is not eligible to play this week but could return as early as Week 5 against the Seattle Seahawks.”
Week 3 Tape Takeaways: Time to buy Seabass (paywall)
“I have to note, Keion White is an OUTSTANDING pick player on stunts. He consistently drives through the face of a guard, taking out two interior linemen to frequently set up a free rush for the looper.
This one’s awesome because it’s a double pick from White and Greenlaw designed to free up Osa Odighizuwa, but Tyler Allgeier picks up Osa. White manages to get through two. Also, great rep from Khalid Kareem.
Here’s another great simulated pressure where Ogbo peels, both linebackers drop (Warner flashes to occupy Wilkinson) and Keion White goes unblocked…This was the one series that the 49ers experimented with Malik Mustapha and Marques Sigle on the field at the same time. They did the same with Mustapha and Ji’Ayir Brown the next series. I prefer the former over the latter, but Brown’s perhaps the best communicator.”
Deebo Samuel was ‘washed’ and ‘fat’ but now he’s a top 49ers receiver again (paywall)
“On Monday, Shanahan pushed back when asked about comments of that ilk. He believes Samuel has entered a number of seasons in great shape. But, he added, there is some truth to it, mainly in the way he has improved his off-field habits.
“It’s also sleeping right, it’s eating right, it’s the type of conditioning you do on your own,” Shanahan said. “That’s where I’d say that you would notice the maturing … the most.”
Kyle Shanahan shares updates ahead of 49ers-Broncos game
“Fine. There was no relationship issue. That was just how it worked out. I think people get confused sometimes with saying people are in the doghouse and things like that. People, I think, sometimes get that confused with just coaching. But, I’ve always loved Dante. Dante’s a great dude. He’s got a lot of ability. He’s done some really good things since we let him go, other places. Someone we tried to bring back during training camp when we had some guys down and tried again this time and this time it worked out.”
NFL Insiders share the price tag for the 49ers to trade for Mac Jones
“For a team to part ways with a second- or third-round pick in this draft would mean they think they have a legitimate shot at making the playoffs this year.”
