New York Knicks' Jalen Brunson: 2024 All-Star Game Starter?

New York Knicks Jalen Brunson has made a solid case to appear in the Eastern Conference's starting five at the 2024 NBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis.

Jalen Brunson feels destined to appear in his first NBA All-Star come February. But if he keeps up his early torrid pace, a larger honor could be in store for the New York Knicks' starting point guard.

With the NBA returning to a conference-vs.-conference format for this winter's exhibition in Indianapolis, Brunson is making a strong case to appear in the Eastern starting five. The 27-year-old is arguably playing the best basketball of his career in his second season with the Knicks, who sit a season-best five games over .500 after Friday's win over Toronto. Through 19 games, Brunson is averaging 24.9 points and 5.5 assists but his shooting rates, shooting 46 percent from the field overall, have been particularly impressive. 

Brunson (11) drives during Friday's win over Toronto / Nick Turchiaro, USA TODAY Sports

A 47 percent mark from three-point range is likely the most valuable part of his game: not only is Brunson sixth in the NBA in that regard but he's the only member of the current top 10 to try at least 100. 

While Brunson's case for All-Star starter is strong, the East's backcourt picture is rather crowded. Tyrese Haliburton, Brunson's American teammate during the summer's Basketball World Cup, has made his case to appear among the five, as have Tyrese Maxey and LaMelo Ball. Last year's game, the last of six under a "draft" format, saw Kyri Irving (since traded to Dallas) and Donovan Mitchell among the Eastern backcourt reps, joined by Haliburton, Jaylen Brown, DeMar DeRozan, and Jrue Holiday.

'Win Together, Lose Together': Brunson Thrives as Knicks' Top Communicator

Brunson's next chance to impress potential voters comes on Tuesday when the Knicks (12-7) face in the Milwaukee Bucks in the knockout round of the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament (7:30 pm. ET, MSG/TNT).