New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson has proven his doubters wrong, some of whom are in the media. He accomplished much of this last season. But if there was any doubt, this season he has doubled.
And after Brunson led the OG Anuonoby-less Knicks to a win over the Golden State Warriors on Monday, coach Steve Kerr — who is also Team USA’s coach — seems to believe Brunson might deserve a spot on the U.S. roster.
“There’s a reason he’s on our list. Because he’s a great, great player and a great character, a leader,” Kerr told the media after the Knicks’ 119-112 win. “He’s everything you want as a player. He’s at the top of our list and he’s definitely someone that we are considering.
There are a number of new additions regarding the 2024 US Olympic team. Among them are LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, Anthony Edwards, Anthony Davis, Jayson Tatum and Kawhi Leonard. There are five spots left for the remaining stars to compete for.
Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving also recently threw his hat into the ring, expressing his desire to represent the United States at the 2024 Paris Olympics. However, an Irving-over-Brunson argument is difficult to make. Jalen Brunson is outplaying Irving this season and is much more durable, having played 17 more games.
Damian Lillard, Donovan Mitchell, Trae Young, Jimmy Butler, James Harden and Tyrese Haliburton are also likely to be in contention for the remaining spots. Health will probably also play an important role. In the end, the job could go to someone who is healthier. But if all things are equal, Brunson has a legitimate reason above all.
Brunson represented the United States at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. Despite a disappointing result in which the United States failed to place in the top three, Brunson averaged 11 points and four assists per game in eight contests. And the experience with Team USA can’t hurt.