New York Knicks: Top 16 2018 NBA Draft prospects in the Sweet 16

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PITTSBURGH, PA – MARCH 15: Jalen Brunson #1 of the Villanova Wildcats puts up a jump shot over Carlik Jones #1 of the Radford Highlanders in the first half during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament held at PPG Paints Arena on March 15, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Ben Solomon/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) /

Projection: Second Round
Age: 21 (8/31/1996)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’2″, 190 pounds, 6’3″
Slash Line: .535/.420/.803
Season Averages: 31.6 MPG, 19.1 PPG, 4.7 APG, 3.1 RPG, 0.9 SPG, 2.2 3PM

Villanova Wildcats point guard Jalen Brunson is a leading candidate for National Player of the Year. He’s a lights-out three-point shooter and a crafty playmaker who has proven to be ready for the biggest of moments when his number has been called.

Some have questioned whether or not he can run point in the NBA, but Brunson should be entering the Association during the perfect era for his skill set.

Brunson has developed into one of the most well-rounded scoring threats in the country. He’s an outstanding three-point shooter with deep range on his shot, a quick trigger when pulling up off the bounce, and the ability to work without the ball.

Brunson also excels at taking his man off the dribble and getting to his spots, with an in-between game that should help him thrive early as a sixth man.

Defense is still a question mark, but what helps Brunson is that he’s also an effective distributor. He’s not elite in that regard, but he operates the pick and roll with efficiency, due in large part to his ability to make defenders pay for going under screens.

No one on the New York Knicks is currently able to do so, which makes Brunson a viable option for general manager Scott Perry in the second round of the 2018 NBA Draft.

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