Looking at Jalen Brunson's All-Star prospects in his breakout season for the New York Knicks

New York Knicks star point guard Jalen Brunson has had a career year in his first season in the city. The 26-year-old is averaging 22.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 0.9 steals per game on a very efficient 47.0/39.4/85.1 shooting split.

He’s also coming off an NBA Player of the Week selection after averaging 34.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game last week. This has led to increased buzz over whether Brunson might receive his first career All-Star selection.

In the second return for NBA All-Star fan voting, Jalen Brunson’s name didn’t show up among the top 10 guards in the Eastern Conference.

However, that doesn’t take away from Brunson's case to be named an East All-Star reserve by NBA coaches. Outside of the two East All-Star starter guard spots, there will be two reserve guard spots and two wildcard spots that Brunson can secure.

Brunson’s 22.4PPG ranks seventh in the Eastern Conference among qualifying guards. However, three of those players (Trae Young, DeMar DeRozan, and Zach LaVine) are on teams that are below New York in the standings.

Given that the Knicks are 25-20 and sixth in the East, they should be a lock for at least one All-Star selection. However, Knicks forward Julius Randle is also a strong candidate for an All-Star selection. Hence, one of the wildcard spots may come down to either Brunson or Randle.

The biggest thing working in Brunson’s favor is New York’s improvement in the standings. Last season, without Brunson, New York finished 37-45 and 11th in the East. This season, the Knicks are 24-18 in games that Brunson has played in and 1-2 in the three games he has missed.

Overall, Brunson has brought leadership and a certain edge to New York that the team was missing. The Knicks now have a steady, reliable go-to shot creator that they can trust down the stretch of games.

Jalen Brunson will face stiff competition from the aforementioned players as well as others like Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Haliburton, Kyrie Irving and Darius Garland. However, if the Knicks continue to win, it may be enough for Brunson to secure his first All-Star berth.

NBA.com ranks Jalen Brunson as the fifth clutchest player in the NBA this season

New York Knicks star point guard Jalen Brunson

In another recent development that may help Jalen Brunson’s All-Star chances, the NBA recently debuted their top-five clutch player ladder for this season. Coming in at No. 5 on the list was Brunson, trailing stars De’Aaron Fox, Luka Doncic, DeMar DeRozan and Donovan Mitchell.

As for the reasoning for Brunson’s placement, Shaun Powell of NBA.com explained that Brunson is right near the top of the league in total clutch points.

“He’s been exactly what the Knicks have needed: a steady player who makes sharp decisions and takes control in fourth quarters. Brunson is tied with Fox for No. 2 in clutch points (99) while also separating himself from the bunch with his command of the ball,” Powell said.

Powell then went on to explain that Brunson rarely turns the ball over in clutch situations as well.

“He has only three turnovers in these situations, a very impressive mark when you consider his usage,” Powell said.

“Mostly, Brunson trusts himself in the clutch. He doesn’t pass the ball often, which can be considered a flaw, until you realize he does shoot 52.4% overall and 50% from deep in the clutch. The Knicks will take that success rate all the time,” Powell continued.

It’s unclear just how much coaches will factor clutch statistics into their votes for the East All-Star reserves. However, Jalen Brunson’s placement in the new ranking may give him an edge when it comes time to vote.

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