Jalen Brunson, the NBA's Best Pound-for-Pound Scorer
LAS VEGAS — When we talk about NBA unicorns, we often refer to players who are unique and unlike any other. We compare them to history, seeking to understand if they are the first of their kind. But what if the game has inadvertently made players like Brunson a modern-day unicorn?
In today's NBA, teams are actively seeking ballhandlers, primary initiators, and creators who stand at 6-foot-6 or taller. The league is filled with these players, and they remain highly coveted. Starting lineups now feature players who are at least 6-foot-5, making the game's lineups bigger than ever.
What the NBA lacks are players like Brunson, sub-6-foot-1 guards with exceptional scoring abilities. Allen Iverson and Isaiah Thomas were once the epitome of this, but Brunson comes close. Despite the NBA's official listing, Brunson is not 6-foot-2, which is why his performances stand out.
Consider his recent outing in the NBA Cup semifinal win over the Magic, where he scored 40 points on 16-of-27 shooting. It's time to acknowledge the obvious: Brunson, pound for pound, is the NBA's best scorer.
Jalen Suggs, an Orlando guard and one of the league's better point-of-attack defenders, agrees. "He’s smart, man," Suggs says. "He’s got good pace and he’s really smart. He doesn’t get bored with the game, and he keeps it simple. He challenges you every possession." Suggs believes Brunson is one of the best players in the league and praises the opportunity to play against him four times a year, as it has helped him improve.
Brunson's scoring prowess isn't a fleeting moment or a cute trick for small guards. He's not Isaiah Thomas of the Boston Celtics. Since joining the New York Knicks four years ago and becoming the focal point of their offense, Brunson has consistently averaged 24 or more points per game, with an impressive 28.8 points per game this season. Only seven NBA players average more points than Brunson, and five of them are 6-foot-5 or taller.
Two of these top scorers, Philadelphia's Tyrese Maxey and Cleveland's Donovan Mitchell, are listed at 6-foot-2, but their listings may be generous. While Maxey and Mitchell possess athletic gifts that Brunson lacks, Brunson's efficiency and scoring ability are undeniable. He often faces taller and heavier opponents, making his scoring achievements even more impressive.
Brunson's herky-jerky style is a key differentiator. He may not be quick, but his dribbling, crossover, body fakes, and footwork keep defenders off-balance and allow him to outmaneuver those with physical advantages.
His footwork, in particular, sets Brunson apart. The ability to play off two feet creates shooting angles that others lack, keeping defenders guessing. This skill has been a part of Brunson's game since his days in fifth grade.
"I always played against older people when I was younger," Brunson says. "I had to be deceptive and crafty. That footwork has been a focus since fifth or sixth grade."
Mike Brown, a coach who has worked with some of the NBA's greatest scorers since 2000, acknowledges Brunson's footwork as rivaling that of Kobe Bryant. Brown sees common threads between Brunson, Bryant, LeBron James, Steph Curry, and others he has coached in the art of scoring.
"They have a relentlessness," Brown says. "They keep coming and coming, no matter what the defense or physicality of the opponent. When you have that, you know your team is in good hands."
While there are several players who could be considered the best scorer in the NBA, Brunson stands out for his efficiency, compactness, and ability to get open at any moment. He can knock down jumpers with or without a hand in his face, and his scoring ability in traffic is remarkable.
"He’s a barely 6-foot guard, not physically impressive or athletic," says his teammate Josh Hart. "But he manipulates the defense and has a big brain, understanding his game and putting himself in position to succeed."
Brunson's relentless competitive spirit and ability to keep coming back, no matter the defense or physicality, make him a top scorer in the NBA. Pound for pound, he is the best scorer in the league.
