The Rise of Jalen Brunson

Mar 30

New York, NY (PSF) - Entering the NBA, Jalen Brunson wasn’t viewed as a player to get drafted high and take the NBA by storm. Instead, he was drafted in the early second round when the Dallas Mavericks took Brunson 33rd overall. Unfortunately for him, the Mavericks’ first-round pick that year was perennial All-NBA member Luka Dončić.

Because of this, Brunson spent his first few years in the “shadow” of Dončić. In his first year, he averaged 9.3 points per game (PPG), 8.2 PPG in his second year, and 12.6 PPG in his third year. However, his fourth year with the Mavericks was a major breakout year for him as he averaged 16.3 PPG, which led him to a big payday in the off-season with the Knicks.

Fast forward to the 2022-23 season, and Brunson is an absolute star. With his position on the Knicks, he is getting way more opportunities and taking advantage of them. This year he is averaging 23.8 PPG as a borderline All-Star and is leading the Knicks to the playoffs. Knicks fans have been dreaming of a player like Brunson to come, and now they have it.

How far can he take them in the playoffs now is the question.