Jalen Brunson has been the breakout star of the NBA season, leading the New York Knicks to a surprising 17-12 record and the third spot in the Eastern Conference. The 27-year-old point guard is averaging career-highs in points (25.6), assists (5.9), rebounds (4.0), steals (1.1), three-point percentage (46.2) and minutes (35.5) per game. He ranks 15th in the league in scoring, 20th in assists, and 57th in field goal percentage.
Brunson has been especially impressive in December, scoring 30 or more points in five of his last eight games, including a career-high 50 points on 17-of-23 shooting and 9-of-9 from beyond the arc against the Phoenix Suns on Dec. 16. He also had 38 points and six assists in a Christmas Day win over the Milwaukee Bucks, outplaying two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The case for All-Star and All-NBA honors
Brunson’s stellar performance this season has put him in the conversation for both All-Star and All-NBA honors. He is currently fourth in fan voting for Eastern Conference guards, behind only Trae Young, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden. He is also receiving strong support from the media and players, who account for 50% and 25% of the vote, respectively.
If Brunson makes the All-Star team, he will be the first Knicks player to do so since Carmelo Anthony in 2017. He will also join a select group of second-round picks who have earned All-Star nods, such as Manu Ginobili, Draymond Green, and Nikola Jokic.
Brunson’s case for All-NBA recognition is also compelling, as he is arguably one of the best guards in the league this season. He ranks ahead of several All-NBA candidates in various statistical categories, such as Jaylen Brown, Bradley Beal, Zach LaVine, and Devin Booker. He is also leading the Knicks to a better record than most of their rivals, such as the Celtics, Wizards, Bulls, and Suns.
Brunson’s efficiency and versatility are also remarkable, as he shoots nearly 50% from the field and 40% from three while playing both on and off the ball. He is also a clutch performer, scoring 10.1 points per game in the fourth quarter, the third-highest mark in the league behind only Kevin Durant and LeBron James.
The future of the Knicks
Brunson’s emergence as a star has given the Knicks new hope for the future as they look to build a contender in the East. Brunson is under contract with the Knicks until 2025 after signing a four-year, $72 million extension in the offseason. The Knicks have joined him with a young and talented core of RJ Barrett, Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson, and Evan Fournier, as well as a proven coach in Tom Thibodeau.
The Knicks also have some flexibility to make moves in the trade market or free agency, as they have several expiring contracts and draft picks to offer. They have been linked to potential targets such as Damian Lillard, Ben Simmons, and Pascal Siakam, who could elevate the Knicks to the next level.
Brunson has already proven that he can carry the Knicks to a playoff berth, but he has bigger ambitions. Jalen Brunson wants to bring a championship to New York, something that has not been done since 1973. He has the skills, the confidence, and the leadership to make it happen. He is not just an All-Star and an All-NBA player; he is a franchise player.