Jalen Brunson Should Be An All-Star

The New York Knicks ended last season in the 11th seed and missed the playoffs. So far this season they are in the sixth seed and only three games back from a potential fourth seed. A big part of that has been the addition of Jalen Brunson, who should be in the All-Star game.

The Knicks signed Brunson in the off-season on a four-year deal worth 104 million. The Dallas Mavericks, his former team, were not able to retain him after a stellar year with them. He even elevated his play in the playoffs despite their loss in the Western Conference Finals. In his first season with the Knicks, he is averaging 22 points 3 rebounds and 6 assists a game. 

New York desperately needed another reliable scorer who can also run the show. Brunson was the perfect match with a young R.J Barrett and Julius Randle who can also score the ball. With Immanuel Quickley still developing and Derrick Rose aging, the minutes were Brunson's for the taking. He has not disappointed and took his game to another level.

Now, the Knicks have three reliable scorers all averaging 20 points or more a game in Randle, Barrett, and Brunson. With playoff experience, Brunson is also bringing a lot of leadership and consistency in the point guard position. Despite a stacked Eastern Conference with many guards who have played sensational, Brunson deserves to be mentioned.

The Villanova product who entered the league in 2018, is leading the team in assists and steals. An added layer that could take the Knicks further into the playoffs. The last time New York made it out of the first round was in 2013 when Carmelo Anthony led the team, and Mavericks coach Jason Kidd was still playing the game. 

Brunson has eight 30-point games this season, eight more than his first four years with the Mavericks. In fact, since the start of the new year, the Knicks guard has averaged 33 points on 50% three-point shooting. 

Jalen Brunson in the New Year:

33.2 PPG
5.2 RPG
5.6 APG
52.6 FG%
50.0 3P% (!!) pic.twitter.com/5mMEKmL9K0

— StatMuse (@statmuse) January 12, 2023

A tremendous scorer, he is also capable of helping his teammates improve their game. The Knicks haven't had many great years and decision-making from the front office, so it is nice to see the Brunson signing is working. The transition has been seamless and it is possible that his father, Rick Brunson, a former NBA player who is now the Knicks assistant coach, has a part to play in it. 

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