Jalen Brunson‘s displays at the FIBA World Cup show there is no stopping the New York Knicks star. After a perfect 9-9 shooting display in leading Team USA to a warmup win over Spain, he’s followed it up with a 5/5 shooting night in a win over Greece, scoring 13 points on the way to the USA’s 27-point victory. One of Brunson’s great attributes on a nightly basis is his incredible efficiency. He showed that off against the Miami Heat in their Conference Semi’s defeat, averaging 31 points, 6 assists, and 51% shooting. His heroics prompted Heat coach Erik Spoelstra to publically question how he didn’t make last year’s All-Star or All-NBA team. Following on from last season’s heroics, and his very good World Cup Campaign so far, it appears that Jalen Brunson looks poised for a big season.
Jalen Brunson Looks Poised for a Big Season
Brunson is uniquely skilled. His footwork is incredible, as is his ability to weave and find space to finish in the tightest spaces. He has a unique combination of strength and skill for his size. Furthermore, he’s a threat everywhere on the court due to his smooth 3-point stroke. It’s exciting to watch Brunson’s career trajectory. He showed flashes as the Dallas Mavericks‘ second option to Luca Doncic (they really miss him), and he’s put it all together for the Knicks and Team USA.
Leader On and Off the Court
Team USA coach Steve Kerr describes him as a ‘natural leader,’ awarding him the captaincy for the squad. Brunson brings a laser focus and intensity to each game.
His leadership was particularly evident last season for the Knicks. In his first season for the Orange and Blue, he really stepped up and led by example on a nightly basis. He delivered an incredible debut season, more than worthy of an All-Star nod. I’d fully expect him to make the All-Star team next year on this current trajectory.
His leadership that Kerr particularly credits may help him get a reserve All-Star nod next year. Those spots are reserved for guys who make their teammates better, have a winning mentality along, and are great scorers. Brunson offers all three in spades.
Brunson Snubbed from Last Year’s All-Star Team
Considering the year he had last year, it’s still remarkable how Brunson didn’t get an All-NBA nod—let alone All-Star status. He was also in the running for the Most Improved Player award last season, but lost to Lauri Markkanen, who was equally deserving.
Averaging 24 points, and 6 assists on 49% shooting in the regular season, Brunson had career highs across the board. Plus, he shot a very efficient 41.6% from 3-point range and seemingly routinely dropped 40 on opponents. Many felt this was worthy of an All-Star nod. Despite massive competition in the guard spots, he arguably deserved an All-Star nod last year.
It’s especially worth considering that Brunson the principal factor behind the Knicks’ huge turnaround last year. Certainly, Julius Randle had a big bounce-back year, and the Josh Hart acquisition really propelled the Knicks. However, Brunson was the guy day in and day out doing what was necessary to help the Knicks—not just in the regular season, but carrying them in the playoffs.
Brunson, to his credit, never complains or feels slighted. He’s a worker. Often the first man in the gym, and the last out. It is this mentality that Knicks Coach Tom Thibodeau loves, and why I feel he’s ready to take the next step this coming year. His performances for Team USA appear further evidence that Brunson looks ready to break out.
League Taking Notice
Kendrick Perkins recently said on ESPN that Jalen Brunson not only is the best player on Team USA, but he deserves to be mentioned as a superstar-caliber player. He mentioned specifically that Brunson merits being mentioned alongside the likes of Jaylen Brown and Bradley Beal. I’d tend to agree with Perkins on this take, particularly after how he performed in the playoffs. Brunson went toe-to-toe with the NBA Finalist Heat during the semi-finals. He found success in a packed paint against one of the elite defensive teams in the league to deliver hugely efficient scoring games. Brunson kept the Knicks alive in those games, when his teammates around him faltered. Even more so than the regular season, this showed Brunson is the real deal.
Furthermore, when the two elite coaches in the league—Spoelstra and Kerr—both compliment Brunson as a leader and a player, it shows the league is taking notice.
What to Expect from Brunson and the Knicks
Currently, the Knicks remain in perpetual wait for an opportunity to pair Brunson with the right star. James Harden is available but isn’t a fit due to his ball dominance. Damian Lillard is available, but he wants a trade to the Heat. Neither of them fit as they are both point guards. This means they are likely waiting in the weeds for Joel Embiid to get sick of the dysfunction in Philly. At the moment, this remains up in the air.
As of right now, by extending Josh Hart and signing Donte DiVincenzo, the Knicks have one of the deepest teams in the league, so they should once again compete in the upper realms of the Eastern Conference. It also appears they are content to hand the keys to Brunson to carry much of the scoring load beside Randle. I also fully expect that Brunson will take a further step forward. He’s already one of the best free agent pickups in Knick history. He had a wonderful season, and he’s only getting better, which is scary. It won’t be long until the rest of the league gives him the credit he deserves as one of the elite guards in the league.
