The New York Knicks are two wins away from reaching the Eastern Conference Finals for the second consecutive season, and a major reason why is the incredible play of Jalen Brunson in the playoffs so far. His recent play has caught the attention of the NBA world, and former NBA star Charles Barkley recently proclaimed Brunson one of the greatest free agent signings ever.
During a recent appearance on ‘The Dan Patrick Show,’ Charles Barkley explained why Jalen Brunson’s current run in the playoffs makes his acquisition by the Knicks one of the best moves in league history.
“I think what’s fascinating about him is nobody knew he was this good. When he was in Dallas, you’re like, he’s a solid backup … Jalen Brunson has probably been one of the all-time great free agent signings,” Barkley said. “The Knicks have been relevant since he got there. They were irrelevant since Patrick Ewing left, probably 20 years. I think Jalen Brunson signing with the Knicks is one of the great free agent signings of all-time.”
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The No. 33 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, Brunson has certainly outperformed his draft selection. Since joining the Knicks, he’s been selected as an All-Star in three of four seasons, has made two All-NBA teams and is a regular finalist for the league’s Clutch Player of the Year Award.
During the Knicks’ playoff run so far, he’s been averaging 27.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.1 steals with splits of 48.5 percent shooting from the field, 37.5 percent shooting from the 3-point line and 86 percent shooting from the free-throw line.
Brunson was originally drafted by the Dallas Mavericks where he played for four seasons before signing with the Knicks as a free agent.
The New York Knicks are two wins away from reaching the Eastern Conference Finals for the second consecutive season, and a major reason why is the incredible play of Jalen Brunson in the playoffs so far. His recent play has caught the attention of the NBA world, and former NBA star Charles Barkley recently proclaimed Brunson one of the greatest free agent signings ever.