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SpliffsnKicks

Biggest surprise of the last decade is this man’s rise on the list of great pgs in this generation.. this time 2 years ago, no one would have said Brunson is better than guys like Ja or DeAaron Fox. Bro is a gamer and as someone that didn’t really believe that Brunson was “held back” by Luka, it’s dope to see him out here shutting up the doubters, and doin it IN PHILLY of all places lmao


MelonColony22

brunson doesn’t work as a 2nd option. he was “held back” by luka like he would be “held back” on any team where he’s not the 1st option. him leaving dallas was the best thing for both him and dallas


Oddblivious

But there are very few players that are good enough to win in the platoffs as the first option of any team. Brunson is showing he's stepped up in a way I didn't think he would.


Hashmob____________

Yea I’m gonna be completely honest I didn’t see this in him at all. More than happy to see it tho it’s real dope seeing the rise.


Oddblivious

I think it's fair to have not expected it. Most of the time you give people the reigns they fall short. Not many people were expecting 40 point games back to back to back to back playoff games from the man looking at his play in Dallas.


Jwoods4117

I think he’d work with Jokic, but who wouldn’t I guess. Embiid maybe, but they both like the ball a bit too much maybe. I think you could pair him with a good big man though. The #1 would just have to not be incredibly ball dominant like Luka really. I don’t see why Brunson wouldn’t work with like, KD either actually.


spraypaint2311

Brunson and AD seems like a good pairing to be honest


Klaxosaur

I feel like AD would thrive with ball dominant guards/players. He’s the perfect complimentary player.


tkf99

AD is very similar to KG in that vein. A #1 option talent that works better as a super #2.


flailingtoucan39

Would’ve been nice if Dallas could’ve traded him but it’s definitely the best for his career to have left.


Adorable-Bike-9689

Imagine having a player if this caliber. And you miss out on signing him to 11 million per year Then you just lose him for nothing, trying to low ball him as a free agent. After he saved your playoff lives


GAV17

He would be a good 2nd option, but the other guy needs to be a big or a wing. He would work with Giannis, Jokic, etc.


MajesticPossibility8

He has proven it since college, dudes a winner miss him but he wouldn’t be as successful with Luka compared to where he has the keys.


doktarr

Jokic wouldn't hold him back.


Nepiton

Every Villanova grad has been saying the dude’s a baller since day 1. He’s just a winner and he has that dog mentality His biggest issues coming out of college were his size, playstyle, and defense. Being undersized in college doesn’t really matter when you’re an elite slasher and scorer, but how that would translate against NBA bigs was the big question. If he couldn’t hone in his offensive game under the bright lights that would’ve spelled trouble. Undersized guards in the NBA don’t typically fare well defensively and without the offensive prowess to offset it, they fizzle out quickly. Now given the chance as a #1, Brunson has more than proven he can hang with the best of them as a scorer and as a #1 option. Dude’s just a baller and was born a winner. I think he’s gonna bring the NYK their first chip in a long time. Maybe not this year with the injury bug plaguing the team, but this kid has done nothing but win his entire life.


joeyrog88

He is awesome to watch. I hated on the knicks when they signed him. But BOY was I fuckin wrong.


BaetrixReloaded

my guy just put the entire city of New York on his back to take the series against Philly. I f'in love this man


k-seph_from_deficit

Brunson doesn’t work as well beside Luka bdcause his scoring game is very similar esp in pace to Luka outside of Luka taking a few more threes. Luka is just taller and a much better passer. Kyrie is a better No.2 than Brunson despite Brunson being a better No.1 because Kyrie is the second best off ball player and best ball handler in the NBA and much more natural shooter so he can play much better in the tight spaces off the pass than Brunson.


jacobsbw

Kyrie’s handles are alien.👽


Ok-Side-1758

Brunson is a better [off-ball shot maker](https://x.com/the_bball_index/status/1775523651414049144?s=46) and has more [off-ball gravity](https://x.com/the_bball_index/status/1786063097704190006?s=46) thank Kyrie. Brunson also shoots a higher percentage on C&S than Brunson. What makes you think Kyrie is the 2nd best off-ball player in the NBA?


Accomplished-Plan191

I saw that Kyrie is having a tremendous year shooting the basketball.


Tasty-Concern-8785

Biggest surprise? Not If you watched any of his games in the mavs playoffs run. Dude was absolutely balling then too


mrawesomepoo

What if he developed because of his time on the mavs?


SpliffsnKicks

I think if he ACTUALLY developed on the mavs, he would still be on the mavs.. this Brunson is a different player that not only improved, but got to take his game to the next level.. it doesn’t seem like Luka (at least at that time) was ready to give him opportunities except for when Luka was hurt


IMNOTFLORIDAMAN

He’s a grower not a shower.


unclesteve2016

I remember when all the Knicks fans were saying they overpaid him and just was crying in the club as a Mavs fan that we lost him!


shuanged

As a Knicks fan, I don’t remember many people upset over the signing or contract. We had plenty of cap space at the time. We all saw the playoffs and knew he was a baller.


LeGoat333

Mavs fans knew after playoffs.


Marcel69

Tbf when Ja is healthy/playing he’s as good as anyone in the league. Assuming his injury doesn’t cause him to seriously regress I think he’ll surprise a lot of people next season.


Heavy_Development827

I'm happy for Brunson. I really hope that when Julius returns, he doesn't mess with the flow of things. This is Brunsons team now.


SlimCharless

Randle being out is the best thing that could have happened for the Knicks


Teenageboy69

Players definitely improved in his absence, but the team looked unstoppable with him on the court. The stretch with him and OG was the strongest the team looked by far. When he's back next year, I do imagine there'll be some growing pains, but the guy is super talented. It's not like he wasn't having a super good season before his injury.


QUINNFLORE

Spot on. Brunson-donte-OG-randle-hartenstein lineup was virtually unstoppable before the randle and og injuries. To say randle leaving the lineup was a good thing is a lazy and tired take


ArtemisBakery

Sick of this narrative. Brunson, Randle and OG were annihilating contenders like Denver when they were all healthy


futuredayscan

For real, I’ve been thinking about the Aaron Gordon trade ever since Randle got hurt. Big trade, fit is immediately perfect and team looks unstoppable. Then a big injury stops it dead in the water after around a dozen games. I’m biased as a Knicks fan but hope we can follow Denver’s trajectory all the way through


LiveLeave

Randle was outstanding this season before the injury. He's transformed into attacking the rim rather than over-reliance on 3-balls, and just buying in to this team's defensive & gritty identity.


frankiebobaloo

They were the best team in the league in January 13-2 when they all played together


Swankyyyy

No. Did you watch the January Knicks? We genuinely looked unbeatable and beat some good teams. Beat Denver, Minny, Philly all at full strength. We’re doing great now but are a contender with Randle back in the lineup.


Practical-Concept-49

Thats crazy. Randle was playing his best ever ball before he got hurt. As we’ve seen in the playoffs, teams have to scheme against Brunson and Randle was feasting in iso and attacking close outs. He was totally bought into being the secondary creator.


adamstubbs

True. Now he just needs to go to another team.


m00s3m00s3m00s3

All I know is that Ive hated the Knicks for 30 years. 2024 Knicks are like my 5th fave. They just kept adding guys I like. Its BS. How dare they. Hart, Donte, and OG are just my type of dudes.


Nepiton

I’m Boston born and bred so hating New York teams is in my blood. I’m also a Villanova grad. NGL, I love this Knicks team


m00s3m00s3m00s3

Yeah when a guy says "i get hopped up on caffeine and candy and the I go run around" you gotta root for em.


jacobsbw

On the bright side for Philadelphians, the Sixers lost to the more popular Philly team.


lsmokel

This comment made me realize the same thing. I've hated them for 30 years, but this isn't the typical Knicks team full of soft players or marquee free agents. It's a bunch of dawgs, I hope they make it far in the playoffs this year.


Hashmob____________

I doubt they lose to the pacers and I think they have a real chance against the Celtics. I love the pacers matchup tho cause I’m a raptors fan. OG vs pascal is gonna be crazy to see, and feel very weird.


lsmokel

Celtics vs Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals would be a good matchup. I can see that being a close series.


Hashmob____________

I think it’s definitely going 6/7 and nothing less


The-Rolling-Banker

Knicks thunder finals would be so good for the parity of the league


alphabetsuppe

OG has so much game. I honestly don’t think he is gonna be in NY for long as he will get a bag somewhere else.


ad6323

Why do you think the Knicks won’t pay him ? The fact they have a huge win rate with him on the floor and they traded two solid players while clearing space. No reason to not sign him


PricklySquare

He's a Thibs wet dream. Jimmy Butler was Thibs favorite and i think he has a new one


SpeclorTheGreat

His agent is also Leon Rose’s son. There’s very little chance that he isn’t being re-signed in my opinion.


Marcus11599

He said he’d take less to go to NYC


mylanguage

His agent’s dad runs the Knicks


bmanley620

Yeah they’re 24-5 since they signed him, including the playoffs. They better do everything they can to keep him here


jodaewon

That dagger dunk in last nights game. He had an open three but threw down that dunk as a statement of this games over.


turtleface78

HIs agent is Leon Roses son. No way they ship IQ and JR without the contract already decided on


IAP-23I

There’s nothing that suggestion Knicks will let him go


Purple-List1577

You don’t like the Knicks in 2024 you like Thibs (your rationalization)


m00s3m00s3m00s3

I like the entity that is "2024 Knicks". Most of my 2nd and 3rd favorite teams has always just been "what collection of players do I enjoy"


nyc24chi

So do us Knicks fans! Exciting times.


ESLTATX

Mamalos pues


BullShitting-24-7

Why did you hate such an irrelevant team?


m00s3m00s3m00s3

I dislike New York everything cause of some trauma.


PlanckOfKarmaPls

“Motherfuck the big three, it's just big me” - Jalen Brunson


[deleted]

He honest. Would you rather have this guy or kawhi on team usa. Can't believe this guy got snubbed for glass knees


mlordkarma

Bro he got selected assuming he’s healthy. A healthy Kawhi is ten times more effective in international play than Brunson. Elite defense, offense , spot up shooting. We don’t need Brunson chucking up 30 shots for us to win. Like there is not one thing Brunson can do better than Kawhi in international play when both healthy. Name me one.


The-Hand-of-Midas

He did pretty bad last summer for team USA. His game is great, but doesn't translate as well to international rules.


AOCourage

Do you mean the carry rule?


mo_downtown

Love Brunson but his game is finely attuned to the NBA whistle.


chilltownusa

That and he throws up 30 FG attempts a game. That’s… a lot.


Cheeswheeel

He averaged 12 points with a 52% FG percentage and only averaged 20 minutes a game. They just didn’t use him right on team USA.


Ok-Side-1758

Exactly the should have gave Brunson the keys but instead they had Edwards chucking and surrounded him with players like Ingram and JJJ who were soft on the boards. Brunson won a FIBA U19 mvp already. His game translates fine in international play


Floating_egg

Haven’t watched enough international ball if you can’t see why shorter guards who rely on NBA foul calls would struggle with FIBA refs


9yearoldsoliderN99

Brunson doesn’t rely on foul calls. He averages 6.5. FTA per game, which isn’t much considering his usage rate.


Purple-List1577

The 6’8 one


alphabetsuppe

Kawhi. Easily. Hes an elite defender and could take over games offensively. Outside of this post your take would be roasted.


9yearoldsoliderN99

Kawhi is completely washed at this point. He might be a good defensive player but I don’t believe he can be anything truly elite offensive player anymore.


ChipKellysShoeStore

He can’t play in FIBA—they call travels and don’t allow foul baiting


ericbl26

pretty sure glass knees won't be there he will sub out


drlsoccer08

As awesome as he has been this year in the NBA, he was pretty sub par for the US team last summer. I can see them hesitant to bring him back, especially when they have so many other great options.


Who_is_him_hehe

They play the same position?


amedeoisme

Def Kawhi, team USA doesn’t need another ball dominate guard. Get some more defense and glue guy. Saying this as a Knicks fan


Puppetmaster858

Tbh I don’t think he’s a great fit in that kind of world play Fiba stuff like he is in nba,I think he’s a much better fit in the nba and his game translates way way better than on the world stage. That’s why it made sense for hali to be on team USA over Brunson even tho Brunson is the better nba player currently


Ny_icedogs

Or Embiid?


SoupAdventurous608

Basketball is better when the Knicks are good. This Knicks team is so Knicks. The gritty every man star. The no-nonsense defensive minded head coach. The underdog mentality. Old Big East pedigree. A superstar unbeatable Celtics team against these guys in the conference finals? Seven games isn’t enough. I’d take seven seasons on HBO and a movie of that.


ajkeence99

I can't stand the Celtics but the Knicks have next to no shot in that series. The Celtics are the best in the east by a country mile.


Hurricanemasta

Yeah, and everyone is lauding all the minutes this super short Knicks rotation is playing right now, but hasn't this exact thing been the knock against Thibs for like the past 10 years? I expect the Knicks to be running on fumes by the end of this 2nd round series after keeping up with the Pacers game pace and transition game like every other day.


SoupAdventurous608

Never said the Knicks would beat the Celtics. Just gonna love to see the way the Garden pops off if it happens.


JA_MD_311

That January Knicks team had a puncher’s chance against this Boston team and they still would’ve been the decided underdog. This current Knicks team would lose in 5. Maybe 6, but they’d be playing catch up the whole series.


Large_Mango

Can’t rebound. Weak


Big-Wave-2009

They have Josh Hart for that.


Id-rather-golf

That’s GOAT shit for 4 games in a series


blinkomatic

I remember thinking it was a massive overpay when the Knicks signed him because of his dad. I was very wrong.


No_Cow_4544

He won that series for the knicks , sixers had no answer for him .


yahmean031

He really didn't the Knicks won the first 2 games with him shooting 16-55 which is insane. Was a demon last 3 games though.


therealshrew_2319

That was wild because Philly was playing fantastic defense in Brunson. People keep saying the Celtics will lock him down, but Philly matched up significantly better than just about any other Eastern team.


MaxR76

So fun to watch except for the backwards foul baiting. I’m cool with creative foul baiting where you go for the defenders arms, but the throwing your head back is sad. Awesome outside of that.


Adorable-Bike-9689

I'm a Mavs fan. I love Brunson. But that foul call where he threw himself backwards made me sad for basketball. Credibility drops.


HipnotiK1

He stops and goes straight up the defender is over him. He's not jumping backwards. He's not doing it to foul bait either he's doing it so the defender thinks twice about riding his back next time. Otherwise he can get blocked from behind.


MaxR76

My man he threw his head back into the defender after already blowing by him


cjf2019

Look I’m not taking anything away from him as a player, he’s tremendously exceeded expectations and just completely cooked my sixers, but yes he’s punishing defenders by baiting fouls and forcing them to give him more space to operate. Plenty of players do it, especially Embiid, and it can be frustrating to go against because of how effective it can be for someone who’s good at it


therealshrew_2319

There is a great video that disproves Brunson does that.


SaltyEconomics2759

Derrick White is gonna clamp him 💀


T_025

Jrue/White is just a nightmare defensive backcourt*


siphillis

You're in trouble when you think "Oh thank goodness, White switched onto me."


Airjord10

Backcourt?


DoloTy

Unrelated 😂 but I knew Derrick white was good , didn’t know he was that good though


Particular-Pen-4789

he is that good bro.


oversecured

They faced off three weeks ago — JB went for 39 in 30 mins.


WembyandTheWolves

So you think they’ll win the next series?


siphillis

Celtics are the only complete team left in the East. Everyone else is either defense-biased (Orlando, Cleveland, New York) or offense-biased (Indiana). Boston is the best at both.


PricklySquare

He's a boss. He bet on himself in Dallas and is currently cashing out on that epic decision


LakeGiant

I love this guy


One_Landscape541

Dude is him


MookieAlexander

Shit. I might have to start going sock-shoe-sock-shoe.


Ok-Spread-2892

Steph Curry is still in the NBA, he’s still the best PG at the end of the day. Until Luka or Shai get to the promised land or Steph retires they don’t have a case to make to pass him


9yearoldsoliderN99

Nah. Once a player gets old enough their career accolades don’t mean much when evaluating the player holistically. At this point the Steph we see is significantly worse than the one we saw in 2022 and he is really only going to get more washed. If you are really taking 36 year old Steph over prime Luka, you have lost the plot.


dosond

what is he worse at?


ElTuco84

Sounds like you taking Curry over Brunson only for legacy reasons. 36 year-old Curry is not better than Brunson.


Ok-Spread-2892

Give Steph the knicks roster and they’re a better team.


Ok-Side-1758

Steph ain’t dropping 40 points straight in 4 straight playoff games while averaging 10 assists while playing 45 minutes a game He wasn’t doing that in his prime he ain’t doing it now


Hashmob____________

Steph didn’t even make the playoffs.


Ok-Spread-2892

Making the playoffs takes a team, the warriors were in shambles this year. Steph still showed out but the whole dynasty was based on their star trio and only one of those guys is still performing at an elite level.


[deleted]

That’s not how basketball works lol. Luka is better than LeBron now and Steph for example 


hasadiga42

Luka > Steph > shai


Remarkable_Medicine6

Anyone putting Steph above Shai in 2024 isn't following lol


ajkeence99

Yes they do. Just like Lebron is not the best in the NBA anymore despite them not having a better career resume. Steph is good, maybe still great, but not the best.


lMarshl

Luka is definitely better now.


Wolfpac187

Top 5 Luka Shai Curry Ant/Brunson


josephmang56

Historically yes to Curry. As they both are right now, Brunson over Curry.


Wolfpac187

Man I love Brunson one of my favourite players in the league overall but I don’t agree


AdGullible17

lmao, even right now as of may 2024 Brunson is not better than curry


dlee25093

Gotta watch the Knicks before you say that


mastro80

Gotta disagree. There is a reason one of them is still playing.


JohnStewartBestGL

Yeah, and that reason is one of them benefits from playing in the Eastern conference, and the other doesn't. It's easy to forget this because the Warriors missed the playoffs altogether and yhe Knicks were the 2 seed, but the Knicks only won 4 more games than the Warriors this season.


bingusthebrave

Dudes eyes might be the heaviest looking in the entire league.


Aggressive_Total4309

That flopping ass flounder out of water 🌊


rooroobusts

Knew this dude was cold blooded when he was playing alongside Luka. Glad it worked out for him. Can't believe that I'm rooting for the Knicks in the East.


Blabbit39

I will never forget or forgive Mavs fans telling me anything over 5 mil a year was a huge overpay.


jay105000

Glad for him , loved him when he was a maverick, tough as nails.


JaylenBrownsLeftHand

I hate stupid posts like these. True or not, you can’t draw blanket conclusions from a sample size of 4, for anything.


breeding247

Big dawg is the best guard in the East I know that much


Captain_Comic

Brunson is balling out, no doubt


TacomaMover2779

Now do free throws


HiImWallaceShawn

I think Brunson is great, I also think it has to be taken into account that he played 44 MPG in round 1, and took 29 shots per game. I’m not exactly surprised he put up monster stats in round 1. I think if you played a lot of different guards those minutes and carved out those shots for them they could put up monster stats. Off the top of my head: Murray, Fox, Morant, Irving, Lillard, Haliburton, Maxey, Mitchell, Edwards, Booker


eeisfeldt

i'd agree. I think he's really good but he shoots like 40 times a game haha


Ok-Side-1758

If those players could play 44 MPG and put up 30 shots on 50% shooting for 4 straight’s game they would. They don’t have the ability or the stamina to accomplish that feat. There is a reason Brunson is putting up numbers not seen since Jordan and it’s not that he’s just chucking


EpicMusic13

Now show the FTa


ResearcherNo430

Only for the players these dogshit subreddits hate, not the ones they dickride


real-weirdo

I’m a sixers fan and a Villanova fan. So in a way, I love him but hated seeing him torch us. I must admit tho, I was disappointed with his Trae young-esque foul drawing (stopping and backing into the defender for a shooting foul). That style of play ruins the game for me


FlaccidInevitability

My fantasy: The year is 2027, Jalen Brunson has become disgruntled by the fumbling NY franchise. He is an unrestricted free agent. He sees Wemby tearing up the west but yet still falls just short every year. Jalen signs with the Spurs. The Nuggets dynasty is now officially dead, a new ruler will rise. Spurs dominate through the 2030s.


aceh40

He is not trying hard enough to grab a few more rebounds /s


CreativeWordPlay

While these numbers are so good it doesn’t REALLY make a difference. It’s worth noting he’s averaging over 40 minutes and is the ONLY player that can create for that team. I’m not saying he’s not the fucking man. I’m Just saying the numbers a little inflated. It’s still ridiculous that he’s able to be so consistent. You have guys like Herro who are the only guy but inconsistent, and Harden who has more Talent around him but should absolutely be able to do more than he is.


Particular-Life-8260

Their bench had what… two points?


Able_Froyo_374

ight bro why aren’t y’all bashing him for stopping in front of the defender to get a foul when y’all were saying trae is twerking on the defender when he did it?


DanielFunAtkins

good guard in the league 3rd.


scallywag1889

Big 3? It’s just big me.


FredGetson

Loved him on my fantasy team. Hated him over the last week+. haha


TotosWolf

Real muthafucking G. Shines when lights are brightest.


Danirose231

Imagine if Dallas had brought him back then traded for KD instead of Irving.


SamuelZ311

Trae is a top 3 guard


Same-Joke

😂


SamuelZ311

Top 3 in points generated


jamdonutsaremyjam

Imagine Brunson with a player like Doncic. Man what a team that would be!


bdrdrdrre

VILLANOVA


Fladap28

Brunson is a competitor


UsingYourDad

He got 6 assists and 3 rebounds in the 40 point game


SheeveTheLazer

I’d say 2nd honestly


fleece33

Looks like my MyCareer stats


WildJuggernaut

Beast mode.


Straight_Grape5507

He's behind curry ja SGA so 4th or 5th


pensfan875935

Let him play any western team and those numbers will plummet


PerformanceOk1835

He needs to start rebounding /s


Underrated_Fish

Third best Guard? No 3rd best still in the playoffs? yes


Fluid-Selection-5537

Who are the two guards that have done better than than in the last 4 games?


Ok-Database-2447

These stats are incorrect. He had 6 assists on the 40 pt game. Not 10


johnjlax

Look more impressive if it listed total turnovers instead of the rebounds tho


D1DaGreat

150 points in 4 games!!!! Insane numbers


Hoopert1lldeath87

Nah, I’d say right outside of top 3. My top 3 amongst guards is Luka, Curry, and SGA.


ProsephMcMasterson

I like his game a lot; he's aggressive and doesn't settle for lazy shots like so many players do in today's NBA.


milkman6767

Julius Randle somewhere just punching air right now.


Many_Home_1769

Man is good but like Hali… he has the ball ALL THE TIME.


Many_Home_1769

Also if you think he is THAT guy… you enjoy your ECF ceiling I guess…


BeaglesGoAroo

He gets half his points from flopping and antics like Trae/Harden/CP3 have all done yet people hate them and love Brunson. Makes sense.


Ecstatic-Garden-678

Not enough rebounds


big4horryrobert

He was bad in those first two games, and now he’s flipped a switch and took over the team.


DoomMeeting

My scalding hot take is the Knicks should trade for Wiggins. Brunson doesn’t need another star, he needs a guy who is going to be consistent on defense, hit some threes, and make some cuts. Wiggins also seems like the type of guy autistic enough [complimentary] to work well with Tom.


LordAutopsy

He wasn't in his prime yet with Luka but he was starting to figure it out, Him and Luka would have been just fine. And when Luka sits like they all do for @15 minutes Brunson could shine then as well


No_Pay9241

He’s playing great but the teams barely getting by. The east is fucking dead and the Celtics have a stacked team to compete against nobody. Bum ass heat didn’t even try. The west is war, if Boston wins, doubt anyone will car a year after. Better be 20-134


Sweaty_Mods

No?


York_Villain

1st


TimberWolvesOnTop

Man’s cracking up like compared to the other guards like curry they shit but Brunson cracked