Bleacher Report shows Jalen Brunson love he deserves in midseason list
In a list titled “The NBA’s 10 Most Pleasant Surprises Halfway Through 2022-23”, Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes gave Knicks star point guard Jalen Brunson his flowers. This was nice to see, as for some reason, the media has not been paying much attention to the things Brunson has been doing this season.
Through 39 games, Brunson is averaging 21.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 6.4 assists while shooting 47.2% from the field and 39% from behind the arc on 4.4 attempts all while guiding the Knicks to the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference.
Despite all of this, Brunson has received little praise from the mainstream media and even from the fans. However, Hughes gave Brunson all the love he deserved and even called out the fans who criticized the Knicks for signing him.
Bleacher Report shows Knicks PG Jalen Brunson love he deserves
Grant Hughes began his section on Jalen Brunson by calling out those who criticized the Knicks for signing Brunson, flat-out calling those who said he wouldn’t be good enough for the money he received wrong.
"First, understand those assessments sell Brunson short. Close watchers know he’s been exactly what the Knicks have needed in a floor-organizer, shot creator and halfcourt bailout option. His 21.6 points per game come with a 32.0 percent assist rate and a defense-collapsing flip-and-floater arsenal that creates clean looks for an offense short on reliable self-starters. Whatever limited rhythm the Knicks’ attack has stems from Brunson."
He really hit the nail on the head with this one, as the Knicks have been without a legit point guard for years now. The things Brunson does on the floor as both a playmaker and scorer should not be underestimated.
Without Brunson, New York would undoubtedly be much lower in the Eastern Conference standings and likely wouldn’t even be in playoff contention just like last season.
My favorite part of this article has to be where Hughes really shows just how underpaid Brunson really is. Many called the signing an overpay, but when you look at Brunson’s contract in the long term, it looks more like a steal than anything.
"Brunson may not be a No. 1 option on a contender, but the Knicks aren’t paying him as if that’s the case. He ranks 14th among point guards in 2022-23 salary, and his current rate of $27.7 million will decline over the life of the deal as the cap rises."
There are so many reasons to be happy with how Brunson has played this season and Hughes did a great job at describing this. Most members of the mainstream media are on a constant string of negativity towards the Knicks, so it was nice to see someone appreciate Brunson’s season like we New York fans have.
