It was reported early Tuesday morning that Brunson is “at the top of the list” of potential players being considered to represent Team USA for Steve Kerr at this year’s Summer Olympics in Paris. Brunson, who was part of the disappointing U.S. team that finished fourth at the FIBA World Championships last summer, began the season as an afterthought and a gamble. But considering his incredibly strong play as of late, which includes a 34-point performance in a win over the aforementioned Kerr, it appears he’s in strong consideration. When asked about the Knicks point guard, the Warriors coach said: “There’s a reason he’s on our list. Because he’s a great, a great player and a great character, a leader,” Kerr continued, “He’s everything you want as a player. He is at the top of our list and is definitely someone we are considering.
Brunson still has some tough competition, though. Assuming they’re healthy, Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, LeBron James, Joel Embiid, Anthony Edwards, Jayson Tatum and Kawhi Leonard all appear to be wolves. That leaves just five spots for guys like Kyrie Irving, Damian Lillard, Donovan Mitchell, Trae Young, Jimmy Butler, Tyrese Haliburton and Brunson, who are all part of a pool of 41 players who have been chosen to compete for the final spots. . It’s going to be an uphill battle for Brunson, but given his history of surprising people and proving them wrong, he might just pull it off.