In this All-Star week 10 things, we highlight a snubbed New York Knick, Kyrie Irving's fit in Dallas, Philadelphia's superstar duo, and the unkillable Washington Wizards.
1. Jalen Brunson, perfect New York Knicks point guard
We might owe Brunson an apology for leaving him off the East All-Star team. Over his last 21 games, Brunson is averaging 30.1 points on 52% shooting, including a scorching 46% on 3s. Brunson can thrive in lots of styles, but he is an ideal fit for Tom Thibodeau's Knicks.
Thibodeau's offense is a low-risk battering ram. New York pounds the paint with pick-and-rolls and more isolations than anyone but the Dallas Mavericks, per Second Spectrum. It produces heaps of free throws and offensive rebounds. One-on-one play keeps turnovers low, which in turn limits opponent fast breaks.
All of this is in Brunson's wheelhouse. He is a rugged one-on-one player with every fake and trick of footwork. He's quicker than you think, with a decisive first step.
He has hit at least 40% on catch-and-shoot 3s in four straight seasons -- including 45.4% in this one. When Julius Randle cooks, defenses stick to Brunson at the arc.
