The 2024 NBA All-Star starters were released this Thursday. Notable names have been snubbed from that list. New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson is one.
It’s no secret that New York Knicks perennial guard, Jalen Brunson has sprung into one of the top Stars of the league. This year’s NBA All-Star game was perhaps Brunsons’ chance to prove how far he’s come as a team leader by securing a starting spot in this year’s All-Star Game. However, as the game’s voting results have been released, It seems the New York Knicks guard will have to wait until next year to show others of his capability.
While this news may have been shocking to others, Brunson seemed to have a more casual demeanor. In an interview with Mike Wilbon before today’s matchup against the Miami Heat, Brunson had this to say:
“Truly, I just don’t care, to be honest. I was always looked over- So for me, I dont really care what people say. I just have to continue to prove myself that I belong”
There’s certainly no question whether Brunson has established himself as an upcoming hardwood dominator, but what are the fans overlooking that could lead to Jalen Brunson not securing a starting spot in this year’s All-Star game?
The Eastern Conference Starting Guards Picked Over Brunson
The rise in NBA talent hasn’t gone unnoticed. Guys like Tyrese Haliburton have risen their stock in the league supremely. Averaging a career-high 23.6 PPG per Basketball Reference while also leading the league in assists with 12.7 per game. There’s no doubt Haliburton deserved the nod of starting for the Eastern All-Star team. The same can’t be said about the other starting guard, Damian Lillard.
Lillard began the new season out rough. Adjusting to a new career role with the Milwaukee Bucks. Lillard seems to be getting back on track to the highly productive role he obtained in Portland for years. He’s shaping up to be an excellent fit with Giannis Antetokounmpo as Milwaukee has dashed to the top of the East, sitting only behind the Boston Celtics.
Similar to Haliburton, Jalen Brunson has been extremely opportunistic in the new season averaging a career high in points (26.5) and assists (6.4). His contributions have glistened as the New York Knicks currently sit 5th in the Eastern Conference with a 28-17 record riding a five-game win streak and winners of nine out of their last ten contests. During this stretch, Brunson has averaged 30.4ppg along with 6.9 apg.
With the pace the Knicks are on now, they’re on track to finish with their season above 50 wins for the first time since the 2012-13 Knick era with Carmelo Anthony at the reigns. With Brunson as the clear leader of this Knicks team, alongside co-star Julius Randle and recent acquisition OG Anunoby, It’s no longer crazy to assume this Knicks team will be ready to make a deep playoff push come this postseason.
Yes, it seems that good things are in store for this Knicks team, and with Jalen Brunson producing at a borderline All-Star starter rate, they’ll be in good hands for the rest of the season and for years to come.
