One of the players who have burst onto the scene during the 2023-24 NBA season has been New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson. Even people who lambasted the Knicks for the deal they signed him to in free agency in 2022 have changed their tune, as Brunson has turned into a star before our very eyes.
What he was able to accomplish during the 2023 NBA Postseason was quite impressive. Despite not having a fully healthy supporting cast, Brunson put the team on his back and carried them through six games of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Miami Heat before being eliminated.
Some NBA analysts said that was only the beginning of what we would see from Brunson and it turns out they were right. This season, he has taken his game to another level, being named an All-Star for the first time and putting himself in position to be named to one of the All-NBA teams.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Jalen Brunson, DeMarcus Cousins, Rajon Rondo, New York Knicks Updates
His performance has drawn attention all season, and most recently, two former NBA stars spoke about him. On a recent episode of Bully Ball with Rachel Nichols and DeMarcus Cousins, Rajon Rondo was a guest. Brunson and the Knicks came up as a topic of discussion and both former NBA players sang their praises.
“This Knicks team is built strictly off toughness. I think Jalen Brunson should be one of the top names when it comes to MVP this season…” Cousins said.
He would not be alone in that sentiment, as opponents know what they are getting into when facing off against the Knicks. It is going to be a physical, slow-paced game where you will have to earn everything on both ends of the court.
Rondo, who made headlines this week as he announced he is officially retiring from the NBA, spoke highly of Brunson as well. He likes what he sees so much that he is showing his son videos of the Knicks’ star to learn how to play.
“…I think he’s been underrated his whole career… I even have my son watching him as much as possible…” Rondo said.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Jalen Brunson, DeMarcus Cousins, Rajon Rondo, New York Knicks Updates
That is some high praise from two guys who know a thing or two about what it takes to succeed in the NBA. Before injuries derailed his career, Cousins was a premier big man, earning four All-Star nods and spots in two All-NBA teams.
Rondo has a chance to make the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. He is a four-time All-Star, a four-time All-Defensive Team member and has two championships on his resume; his first was with the Boston Celtics and his second was with the Los Angeles Lakers.
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