Jalen Brunson ‘High on The List’ for Team USA Spot in Paris – According to U.S. coach Steve Kerr, Jalen Brunson ranks highly among potential players to represent the United States at the Olympics. “There’s a reason he’s on our list. Because he’s a great, great player and high character, a leader,” Kerr said.
“He’s everything you want as a player. He’s high on our list and he’s definitely somebody we’re considering.” Brunson is among the 41 players in contention for selection, with the final roster needing to be trimmed to 12 before the summer Games in Paris.
The leader of the Knicks started as an unlikely contender but has now become a formidable force, showcased by his performance this season, highlighted by back-to-back games with 40-plus points before securing 34 in Monday’s victory against Golden State.
People Also Read: LeBron James Drops Retirement Hint as Lakers Star Hints he Wants to Play With his Sons
Certain players are virtually guaranteed spots on the 12-man team, assuming they remain healthy: LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, Anthony Edwards, Anthony Davis, Jayson Tatum, and Kawhi Leonard. Following them, Brunson will compete with a cohort including Kyrie Irving, Damian Lillard, Donovan Mitchell, Chris Paul, Trae Young, Jimmy Butler, James Harden, and Tyrese Haliburton.
The United States has clinched five consecutive Olympic gold medals. Brunson served as the starting point guard for the USA team, which finished in a disappointing fourth place at the FIBA World Championships last summer. They were defeated by Germany in the semifinals and Canada in the bronze medal game.
“The experience was great, especially under Steve [Kerr], understanding his philosophy and getting to know him,” Brunson said Monday. “We built a great relationship. Got to understand how his mind works.” Josh Hart attempted to persuade Kyle Lowry to join the Knicks before the point guard ultimately signed with the Sixers.
“I texted his ass,” Hart told CBS Sports. “I told him, ‘Pull up.’ Told him, ‘F–k with us.’ But obviously that didn’t happen.” Last month, Lowry, who became a free agent after being bought out by the Hornets, opted to return to his hometown of Philadelphia. His decision was influenced by the desire for a more prominent role with the Sixers, as opposed to potentially playing behind Brunson in New York.
People Also Read: LSU Basketball’s Kim Mulkey to Become Highest-Paid Women’s Basketball Coach in $32M Deal
Both Lowry and Hart are alumni of Villanova, although their attendance at the university was nearly a decade apart. Around the time Lowry committed to the Sixers, the Knicks bolstered their bench offense by acquiring Alec Burks and Bojan Bogdanovic via trade. Additionally, they signed Shake Milton from the buyout market. However, Milton, formerly with the Sixers, has yet to secure a spot in Tom Thibodeau’s rotation.
