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Jalen Brunson-Knicks disrespect continues with suspect top point guards list

By Jordanna Clark

Jan 16, 2023; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) reacts during the second half against the Toronto Raptors at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2023; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) reacts during the second half against the Toronto Raptors at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
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We’re at the point in the NBA offseason where everything is quiet for the most part. August is typically uneventful, but that could change this year with a Damian Lillard or James Harden trade. While waiting for something to happen, HoopsHype ranked point guards around the league, including New York Knicks’ Jalen Brunson.

At this point last summer, it wasn’t unusual for Brunson’s skill set or value to be questioned. It was the norm. Even for those who believed Brunson made the Knicks better, it was asked just how much better New York would be in 2022-23. The questions surrounding Brunson were quickly answered as he made a positive impact from day one with the Knicks.

After being one of the Mavericks’ top playoff performers in 2022, Brunson followed that up by being the Knicks’ best player in the 2023 postseason. He was vital to New York advancing past Cleveland in the first round and left it all on the court against Miami in the semifinals. Although it’s the offseason, basketball isn’t on pause for him as he’ll be competing for Team USA at the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

Brunson is positioned to build on the success that he had in 2022-23, when he averaged 24 points and 6.2 assists per game. He isn’t the flashiest point guard in the league or the most athletic, but his consistency makes him one of the best. According to HoopsHype, though, Brunson’s the 12th-best point guard in the NBA.

HoopsHype ranks Knicks’ Jalen Brunson as 12th-best point guard in NBA

Here’s a list of the 11 point guards that HoopsHype ranked ahead of Jalen Brunson:

  1. Luka Doncic
  2. Steph Curry
  3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
  4. Ja Morant
  5. Damian Lillard
  6. Trae Young
  7. Tyrese Haliburton
  8. De’Aaron Fox
  9. James Harden
  10. Jamal Murray
  11. LaMelo Ball

Even without considering Jalen Brunson’s No. 12 rank, there are several questions about how HoopsHype ranked No. 1-11. Trae Young at No. 6 and Tyrese Haliburton at No. 7 are surprising, especially considering Brunson’s placement.

HoopsHype wrote that Brunson was an “elite floor general” this past season and that another “jump” is expected from him this upcoming season. Knicks fans can’t argue with either of those statements but can undoubtedly say that a few players don’t deserve to be ranked ahead of Brunson.

These lists are merely created for fun and certainly aren’t set in stone. Jalen Brunson wasn’t on a mission last season to prove himself, but he still did so. He’s far from reaching his ceiling, and when it comes to him, the best is yet to come.

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