The NBA playoffs are usually a stage for established superstars like LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant to dominate. However, this year, a new crop of players has been stealing the spotlight and putting up a show.
One such player is Jalen Brunson. Brunson has been the driving force behind the New York Knicks’ success all season, and that continued in this year’s playoffs. In a dominant first-round showing, he averaged 35.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 9.0 assists per game on 42.9% shooting from the field, powering the Knicks to a six-game series victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.
Now, Brunson’s play has drawn widespread praise, and many are rightfully giving him credit for playing at a superstar level. However, renowned NBA analyst Chris Broussard wants to pump the brakes. Despite a superstar performance from Brunson, Broussard doesn’t think he’s a superstar yet and wants to see more from him before bestowing that title.
“Slow down. Because you have a postseason like this doesn’t mean you’re a superstar,” said Broussard. “Here’s the thing with Jalen. If he had been a lottery pick, and come into the league, and in short order, been a star, then a postseason like this may have made you say ‘he’s going to be a superstar.’ But when you come in as a second round pick, you spend four years as a role player, no one thinks you’re going to be a star, I need to see more…. Is Trae Young a superstar? I’m not going to fall victim to the MSG pixie dust.”
Time to admit Jalen Brunson is a superstar?
“He was phenomenal by the numbers. But no, slow down. I need to see more. … Is Trae Young a superstar? I’m not going to fall victim to the MSG pixie dust.” — @Chris_Broussard pic.twitter.com/pleU2jvNmw
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) May 3, 2024
