Does 24 points per game stink in the NBA? That is what Kendrick Perkins is thinking about Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks.
Brunson was a borderline MVP candidate last season as he lead the Knicks to a Top 4 finish in the Eastern Conference. For former Boston Celtics center, known for making hot takes and some of them found to be outrageous, Brunson had fallen off in the player rankings.
“Last year, Jalen Brunson was, in my eyes, the best player in Eastern Conference. This year, he’s not even top 15,” Perkins said in his show for ESPN.
The Knicks are currently 4-4 in the Eastern Conference standings, good enough for a third spot.
Brunson’s name may not be as loud as it was from last season but he has been reliable night in and night out for his team. He has scored in double digits in all of his games. He reached the 30+ points mark just once so far.
Jalen Brunson leadership commended by Karl Anthony Towns
The slight in Brunson’s impact on the team may be attributed to the arrival of Karl Anthony Towns who appears to be the first option in team’s offensive schemes.
KAT is currently their top scorer with 24.3 points per game while Brunson contributes 24 per outing.
Brunson’s impact is not just in the stat sheet though as his leadership becomes more critical as the longer-tenured player in the line-up.
Towns said his point guard’s leadership as the Knicks captain is what unlocks his easy transition with the new team.
“It’s people like Cap,” Towns said in an interview with MSG Networks’ Alan Hahn.
“Cap just put me in positions to succeed, our teammates, and has been great. We’re just getting more cohesive with each other. It’s a testament to the coaching staff, testament to Cap, all of the starters, everyone on this team being professionals, and we’re all finding a way to find wins for this team.”
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