Jalen Brunson should feel disrespected by NBA GMs

It's not a stretch to claim that Jalen Brunson has singlehandedly made the New York Knicks relevant for the first time in decades. 

Before Brunson arrived in 2022, the Knicks had won only one playoff series in the 21st century — against the Boston Celtics in 2013.

In the Brunson era, they've already won four postseason series and were two wins away from the NBA Finals last season. 

NBA GMs disrespect Jalen Brunson

Brunson's impact on winning has seemingly not resonated with the NBA's front-office executives. In the 24th annual NBA GM Survey — which polls the league's decision-makers with various questions — Brunson received little recognition for his recent exploits.

The southpaw finished second in the "best leader" question, but was conspicuously missing from the top-five vote getters in categories such as "best point guard," "predicted 2025-26 MVP," "best basketball IQ," and "most versatile player," among others.  

Jalen Brunson is not clutch?

The most egregious snub came in the form of the question, "Which player would you want taking a shot with the game on the line?"

Brunson, the reigning Clutch Player of the Year, did not finish among the top-five vote getters. Yes — the same player who averaged an NBA-high 5.6 points in clutch situations last season, led the league in clutch field-goals made (52) and was third in clutch assists (28).  

The Villanova alum shot 51.5% from the field in the clutch, leading the Knicks to a 17-11 record in games decided by five or fewer points in the final five minutes. Apparently, at least five other players are more deserving of a shot with a game on the line.