Knicks' Jalen Brunson Not a Point Guard Says College Coach

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Aug 7, 2025 8:00 AM ET

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson is one of the best players in the NBA. As a point guard, he's able to command the offense with his impressive scoring prowess. However, not everyone sees Brunson as a point guard.

St. John's head coach, Rick Pitino, spoke to the media on Wednesday. According to him, there aren't any point guards left in the NBA. When asked about Brunson, Pitino highlighted his scoring as one aspect of why he's not considered a point guard.

There are only a few true lead guards around the association. Sticking to the true definition of a point guard, only Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul fits the mold. He doesn't always look to score, but tends to get his teammates going with the way he facilitates. Brunson isn't that kind of player.

Pitino Dubs Brunson as a "Combo Scoring Guard"

Pitino said that Brunson is always looking to score the basketball, instead of looking for an easy score for his teammates.

“There are no point guards anymore, if you find it, you’ll probably describe it as a guy who can’t shoot,” Pitino said.

One reporter asked the head coach what he thinks about Brunson. Pitino said this:

“He’s a combo scoring guard. I don’t think he’s looking for the assist. I think he’s looking to score. And thank God he is.”

Rick Pitino: “There are no point guards anymore…Who’s the PG of the Knicks, Lakers, Celtics, Thunder?…PG’s totally done…”

Q: “What’s Jalen Brunson?”

Pitino: “Combo scoring guard. I don’t think he’s looking for the assist. I think he’s looking to score. And thank God he is…” pic.twitter.com/gbpUb8OxJT
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) August 6, 2025

The college head coach further elaborated on the absence of the point guard in the NBA.

“Who’s the point guard of the Knicks? The Lakers? The Celtics? The world champions (Thunder)? The point guard is totally done in basketball. The days of John Stockton are long gone. There are no more point guards. Chris Paul’s probably the last one."

Looking at Brunson's numbers, he scores more than he collects assists. While that isn't a traditional way of playing the point guard position, it has worked out well for the Knicks. Furthermore, scoring is more important to most backcourt stars than facilitating.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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