New York Knicks starting point guard Jalen Brunson is building a solid case for an All-Star consideration this season.
His career-high numbers — 20.8 points, 6.5 assists and 1.0 steals — and his leadership have been a difference maker in New York.
Entering Friday night’s game in Toronto, the Knicks are sporting a 21-18 record, assured of a winning record halfway through the season.
But despite Brunson’s game screaming All-Star, his name is nowhere to be found among the top 10 guards in the initial All-Star fan voting result. He said playing in the All-Star game would be nice, but the voting process is beyond his control.
“Just control what I can control. That’s really it.”
Jalen Brunson after Friday morning shootaround via Knicks digital
What he can control is leading the Knicks to more winning until his name and game are too hard to ignore. While the Knicks fan base still has time to push his candidacy, his path to his first All-Star berth will likely go down to coaches’ votes.
“I know that every coach that I’ve had, we’ve had a great relationship. I appreciate them. They appreciate me. From that aspect, yes, but I can’t control what other people think or their opinions. I just focus on how I can help my team win games.”
Jalen Brunson after Friday morning shootaround via Knicks digital
All 30 NBA head coaches will vote for the All-Star reserves, but they can’t vote for their players.
Brunson has played for at least two head coaches in the NBA besides Tom Thibodeau. Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd put Brunson in a position that landed him a $104 million, four-year deal with the Knicks. Jamahl Mosley also worked with Brunson in Dallas before his first head coaching break in Orlando.
Most of the opposing coaches, if not all, have praised Brunson’s stellar play. Whether those are just lip service or genuine will be known soon.
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