NBA New Blood: Jalen Brunson
Illustration by Mike Morrocco
My brain really stopped retaining information in 2010. Who are these children taking over the League? To be clear, I’ve been watch NBA basketball and listening to NBA Podcasts this whole time. I talk shit on group threads and make bold proclamations about Bill Walton and Eddie House. This year I am trying to my game and shock my brain into being current. This weekly feature will cover key players that are emerging as key characters in the playoffs. No Lebrons. No Jokers. No Tatums. New guys only. First up: Jalen Brunson…
Of course as soon as I assigned our (AMAZING) illustrator this one, Jalen immediately began struggling. Before we get into that, some key things about Brunson:
Skillful Swag: Brunson's got moves. Slick playmaking and scoring prowess. He’s smooth and efficient with bursts of fireworks that light up MSG.
Perfect Fit: Brunson’s arrival up-leveled the Knicks to Eastern Conference contenders. Even without Julius Randle, the Knicks aren’t scared of anyone. With the East being a little ahem star depleted, this team could really go far. People in NYC love this guy.
A Disney Movie Origin Story: His dad, Rick, played for the Knicks! There are cute photos of baby Jalen at the Garden. There’s even one of a 10 year old Brunson with a 22 year old Lebron. (Friends, how is Lebron old now? Why is my beard grey? What is time?). There is a familial love for Jalen among New Yorkers. Watch some of these home games and catch the vibes. The league is great when the Knicks are great.
The bad news: we cursed him. While this season, Brunson showcased his scoring prowess as one of the NBA's top performers. Despite maintaining his leading role in scoring for the Knicks against the 76ers, his average points per game have dipped from 28.7 to 23.0. Additionally, he has encountered challenges in efficiency, with his field goal shooting dropping to 29.1 percent and his 3-point shooting to 16.7 percent.
Last night he bounced back only to be eclipsed by Joel Embiid’s 50 point barrage and Dray-level heel turn. As a Celtics fan I desperately want both teams to lose. Both will be tough but the Knicks are more scary to me. Partially because of Ubuntuu Celtics alum Coach Tibs but mostly because Brunson at MSG is magic.