In the NBA, the spotlight often falls on the superstars—those players who dominate the league with their athleticism, skills, and flair. However, sometimes the most captivating stories come from players who, while perhaps flying under the radar for a time, gradually rise to prominence and earn their place among the elite. Jalen Brunson is one such player. The 6-foot-1 point guard has been steadily improving since entering the league in 2018, but his performance in the 2023-2024 season has brought him to the forefront of NBA conversations. As Brunson inches closer to securing a spot in the NBA All-Star Game, it’s clear that his dynamic play is helping to form one of the most exciting backcourt duos in the league, alongside New York Knicks’ teammate Julius Randle.
A Quick History of Jalen Brunson’s Journey
Jalen Brunson’s journey to the NBA was marked by perseverance and incremental growth. Born into a basketball family, Brunson had the benefit of learning the game at a young age, with his father Rick Brunson having played in the NBA as well. However, it wasn’t always smooth sailing. Brunson wasn’t considered a top-tier prospect coming out of high school. Despite that, he found his place at Villanova University, where he flourished under the guidance of head coach Jay Wright.
Brunson’s college career was nothing short of spectacular. He won two NCAA Championships with Villanova and earned the prestigious Naismith College Player of the Year award in 2018. His college success translated into a solid foundation for his NBA career, but it was his work ethic and ability to adapt that allowed him to excel beyond what many expected. While his draft stock wasn’t as high as some of his peers, his steady performance in his first few seasons with the Dallas Mavericks was enough to prove his worth. After a couple of years as a valuable role player, Brunson’s breakout season came in 2022 when he signed with the New York Knicks, giving him the platform to lead and develop his game.
The Move to New York: A Change of Scenery
Brunson’s move to the Knicks in 2022 was a pivotal moment in his career. Many thought of him as a secondary piece on a Mavericks team led by Luka Dončić. But once Brunson landed in New York, he quickly proved that he had the potential to be a primary option on a competitive team. The Knicks’ decision to offer him a four-year, $104 million contract seemed risky at the time, but Brunson’s leadership and ability to control the game at the point guard position immediately showed the wisdom of that investment.
In his first season with the Knicks, Brunson led the team to the playoffs, averaging 24 points and 6.2 assists per game while shooting efficiently from the field. His poise under pressure, scoring ability, and playmaking were evident, and his impact on the Knicks’ success was undeniable. This was the foundation that has now put him in position to become an All-Star.
The Rise to All-Star Consideration
Brunson’s 2023-2024 season has been even more impressive, as he continues to push toward securing his place as an NBA All-Star. Through his consistency and growth, Brunson has become not just the Knicks’ most important player but one of the league’s top point guards.
As of the latest stats, Brunson is averaging over 25 points per game and 6 assists while shooting nearly 50% from the field and 40% from three-point range. He has displayed a high basketball IQ, strong decision-making skills, and clutch performances in key moments. His ability to score from all areas of the floor—whether through floaters in the paint, mid-range jump shots, or deep three-pointers—has made him one of the most well-rounded and efficient guards in the NBA.
What sets Brunson apart is his ability to control the pace of a game. His leadership is clear when the game is on the line, whether through orchestrating the offense or taking over as the primary scorer. His offensive versatility allows him to complement his teammates in a way few can, making him indispensable to the Knicks’ success.
The Knicks’ Emerging Duo: Brunson and Randle
While Brunson has been exceptional on his own, what makes his potential All-Star candidacy even more compelling is the synergy he’s developed with Julius Randle, the Knicks’ power forward and fellow All-Star candidate. Together, they form one of the most exciting duos in the NBA. Randle, known for his scoring and rebounding prowess, has found a new level of success playing alongside Brunson, who helps him get easier looks through his playmaking and vision.
The duo’s on-court chemistry is a significant reason why the Knicks have become one of the more formidable teams in the Eastern Conference. Randle’s scoring ability combined with Brunson’s control and distribution creates a balanced and dangerous offensive attack. Their complementary skill sets make the Knicks a difficult team to defend, as opposing teams can’t focus on just one player—both are capable of taking over a game.
While Randle’s growth as a player has been notable in his own right, it’s clear that Brunson has taken the leadership reins and elevated the entire team. If the Knicks continue to play at a high level, Brunson’s case for being named an All-Star starter becomes stronger by the day.
The All-Star Selection Process: Why Brunson Deserves It
The NBA All-Star Game is one of the most celebrated events on the basketball calendar, but it also represents a high level of achievement and recognition. To secure a starting spot, a player must be voted in by a combination of fans, coaches, and media members, with fan voting playing a significant role in determining starters. The competition is fierce, and earning that honor is no small feat.
For Brunson, the argument for All-Star status is strong. Not only is he putting up impressive individual numbers, but he is doing so on a winning team. The Knicks are in playoff contention and have been a consistent presence in the top half of the Eastern Conference standings. Brunson’s contributions to this success go beyond the box score—his leadership, poise in crunch time, and ability to make others better are all qualities that make him worthy of consideration.
Moreover, the Eastern Conference is home to a deep pool of talented point guards, making the race for a starting spot even more competitive. However, Brunson’s ability to perform in high-pressure situations and his continued improvement throughout the season have made him a top contender for one of the coveted guard spots. If the Knicks continue to play well and Brunson maintains his level of play, it’s not hard to imagine him securing a spot among the best of the best.
The Future for Brunson and the Knicks
Regardless of whether Brunson ultimately makes it as an All-Star starter, his trajectory is undeniably on the rise. He has already established himself as one of the most skilled and reliable point guards in the league, and his leadership on the Knicks has been invaluable. As he continues to grow, his influence will only expand.
The Knicks are building something special, with Brunson at the helm. If he and Randle can continue to develop their chemistry, and if the supporting cast around them continues to play their roles effectively, the Knicks could become a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference. In the long run, this team has the potential to do more than just reach the playoffs—they could establish themselves as perennial contenders.
For Jalen Brunson, the 2023-2024 season could be a defining year in his career, one that cements his place as not just an All-Star but a key figure in the league’s future. And with each game, he inches closer to completing that All-Star starting duo with Julius Randle.