Brunson is also quietly regarded as Dallas’ most effective and forceful locker-room leader — perhaps not surprising given his role in helping Villanova win two national championships in college. Among the reasons that new Mavericks coach Jason Kidd wanted to form a much-discussed “leadership council” this season, I’m told, was to encourage the council’s three members (Dončić, Porzingis and Tim Hardaway Jr.) to be more vocal with their teammates.