2. Jalen Brunson will make an All-NBA team for the first time
After signing with the Knicks, many quickly criticized both Brunson and the Knicks for the decision. He’s one season into the deal, and Brunson already looks like one of the best point guards in the NBA on one of the best contracts. While he was snubbed from the All-Star Game last season, fans are looking past that and are ready for Brunson to be in All-NBA talks.
In 68 games last season, Brunson averaged 24.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game, shooting 49.1% from the field and 41.6% from beyond the arc on 4.7 attempts. The leap Brunson made from role player to star was incredible, especially since he did it while playing for the Knicks.
Considering how elite Brunson looked in the playoffs, there’s a realistic possibility he will make yet another leap. This time, it will be from stardom to superstardom. In 11 playoff games, Brunson racked up five 30+ point games, all of which came in the second round against the Heat. This could give Brunson some much-needed confidence that will propel him into making an All-NBA team.
If Brunson makes the jump fans think he’s capable of, he and Randle will have the chance to be the first Knicks to make the All-NBA team in the same season since Carmelo Anthony and Tyson Chandler did in 2011-12.