Jalen Brunson is finally getting some recognition.
The Knicks point guard was named a reserve Eastern Conference All-Star on Thursday, an honor decided by NBA coaches after Brunson was removed from the starting lineup by fans.
Injured Knicks forward Julius Randle, a two-time All-Star in the past three years, was also named to the reserve list.
A first All-Star appearance was a stated goal for Brunson, but it eluded him until he became a candidate he couldn’t refuse — fresh off the franchise’s best month in nearly 30 years and a rapidly growing team. Until he emerged as the star of a successful Knicks team.
And while Brunson’s pick on Thursday was expected and has been gaining momentum since last year, it remains an underdog story for a second-round pick who has been questionable due to his lack of height and athleticism. be.
Former Villanova coach Jay Wright of Branson told the Post that all he needs is an opportunity.
Brunson entered Thursday with one point for New York, averaging career-highs in points (26.8), assists (6.5), 3-point percentage (42.2%) and minutes played (35.7).
“To lead New York, like the toast of the city, I can’t say I saw it happening,” Wright said. “But for someone this talented and efficient as a basketball player, I’m not shocked. It’s really impressive. But I’m more impressed that he was given that opportunity.” I took it. I thought it was really great. [Tom Thibodeau’s] part, and great in leon [Rose’s] part. That’s what surprised me even more. That he got a chance in that league. ”
Brunson was on the cusp of being selected as an All-Star last year, but was not selected.
He was then shut out of postseason awards despite being a candidate for All-NBA, Most Valuable Player, and Most Clutch awards.
This year, he finished second in starter voting (behind Tyrese Haliburton) in media voting, third in player voting (behind Haliburton and Tyrese Maxey), and fifth in fan voting (behind Haliburton and Tyrese Maxey). Young, Damian Lillard, and Donovan Mitchell).
This put Brunson on the backup list and made him the obvious choice in the coaches’ vote.
The East’s starters are Haliburton, whom the Knicks played Thursday at MSG, Lillard, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid and Jayson Tatum.
