Jalen Brunson: A Statistical Deep Dive

Jalen Brunson’s ascent in the NBA has been a captivating narrative, marked by consistent improvement and a fearless approach to the game. While his impact transcends mere statistics, examining his numbers provides valuable insight into his evolution into a legitimate star point guard.

Early Years: Dallas Mavericks

Brunson’s early career with the Dallas Mavericks saw him steadily improve as a reliable bench player. His scoring efficiency was always a strong suit. During his final full season in Dallas (2021-22), he averaged 16.3 points per game on impressive shooting splits of 50.2% from the field, 37.3% from three-point range, and 84% from the free-throw line. His playmaking, however, was somewhat limited in a secondary role alongside Luka Dončić.

Breakthrough with the New York Knicks

The move to the New York Knicks in the 2022-23 season marked a turning point. Given the reins of the offense, Brunson flourished. His scoring exploded to 24.0 points per game, showcasing his ability to create his own shot and attack the basket with tenacity. He maintained strong efficiency, shooting 49.1% from the field, though his three-point percentage dipped slightly to 38.1%. Notably, his usage rate increased significantly, reflecting his primary ball-handling responsibilities.

Statistical Growth: 2023-2024 Season

Brunson’s 2023-2024 season further solidified his status as an elite point guard. He averaged a career-high 28.7 points per game, cementing his place among the league’s top scorers. His field goal percentage remained consistent at 47.9%, and his three-point percentage rose to a career best 40.1% on high volume, demonstrating his improved outside shooting. His assist numbers also saw an uptick, averaging 6.7 assists per game, highlighting his growing playmaking abilities. He did this while significantly increasing his shot attempts, showcasing his stamina and determination.

Advanced Metrics

Beyond basic statistics, advanced metrics further illustrate Brunson’s value. His Player Efficiency Rating (PER) has consistently climbed, reaching a career high in recent years. His True Shooting Percentage (TS%) is consistently above the league average, reflecting his scoring efficiency from all areas of the court. His Win Shares and Value Over Replacement Player (VORP) have also increased significantly, indicating his substantial contribution to team success.

Areas for Improvement

While Brunson has made remarkable strides, there’s always room for improvement. Despite his increased assist numbers, becoming an even more creative and consistent playmaker would elevate his game further. Defensively, while showing increased effort and improved positioning, he can still enhance his on-ball defense against quicker guards.

Conclusion

Jalen Brunson’s statistical trajectory paints a clear picture of a player consistently improving and adapting to new challenges. From a reliable role player to a bona fide star, his scoring prowess, playmaking growth, and overall efficiency have made him a cornerstone of the New York Knicks and a player to watch in the years to come.