Will Knicks' Jalen Brunson Join Dallas Mavs' Luka Doncic as MVP Finalist?
DALLAS - We never quite saw this coming when he played for the Dallas Mavs. He was a "pro's pro'' from the start, and oftentimes he was the second-best player, alongside Luka Doncic, on a good Mavs team.
But now? A new debate: Can New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson - our old Dallas pal - join Luka going forward an MVP finalist?
The short answer? It's not even a debate.
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
He's the best player on a contending team. ... though for now Knicks fans will surely accept the notion that he's an honorable mention candidate at this early stage.
"Fresh off giving the Knicks a substantial financial gift by signing a discounted extension this summer, Brunson has a legitimate chance to win the MVP after finishing fifth in last season's voting,'' Bleacher Report writes. "With how New York has loaded up with defensive wings this offseason, they look like threats to the Boston Celtics. He averaged 28.7 points and shot 40 percent from three with 6.7 assists. If the Knicks finish on top of the Eastern Conference with the same type of production from Brunson, he could win the MVP award.''
In fact, let's stop right there: Luka finished second last year. Obviously, he's a contender for MVP going forward.
Meanwhile, if a guy is the best player on a contending team and he just finished "fifth in last season's voting''?
He already is an MVP candidate.
And if the Knicks win the East? He'll be even more than that.
