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3 players wrongfully ranked above Knicks’ Jalen Brunson on The Ringer’s Top 100

By Allen Settle

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 7: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks looks to pass against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at Madison Square Garden on December 7, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 7: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks looks to pass against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at Madison Square Garden on December 7, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks, Milwaukee Bucks, Brook Lopez
Brook Lopez, Milwaukee Bucks. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) – New York Knicks /

Brook Lopez, MIL, No. 47 Overall

Elevating Brunson over Bucks star Brook Lopez is a more difficult argument, but there is a credible case to be made.

Let’s start by giving Lopez his due respect for his excellent play. In many ways, the former lottery pick is making the impact that the Timberwolves dreamed they would get from Gobert.

Always a great rim protector (1.8 career blocks per game), Lopez has raised his defensive game to another tier this season. His 2.5 blocks per game is a career-high. His play has also elevated one of the best teams in the league. In fact, the veteran is currently No. 2 on NBA.com’s Defensive Player of the Year award ladder.

Lopez’s excellent outside shooting abilities, an area where he has thrived for the majority of his career, make him a truly dangerous player. The former Stanford star is shooting a career-high 39% from three this season (on five shots per contest). Few players in the league can match his level of paint protection and shooting efficiency.

However, Brunson’s high-level scoring ability gives him the edge over Lopez. While the center was considered a go-to guy earlier in his career, he has not eclipsed an average of 15 points per game since the 2016-2017 season.

He is an amazing luxury as a key role player on a top team, but Lopez cannot match Brunson’s ability to carry an offensive load night in and night out. For this reason, we give the Knicks’ guard the advantage.

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