Knicks' Brunson, Hart: USA Camp's Finest Among Peers?

New York Knicks stars Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart have left an impression on their Team USA teammates.

Members of the blue and orange are leaving an impression on their new teammates. 

In an informal poll conducted by The Athletic, New York Knicks stars Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart received at least two votes when members of the United States' FIBA Basketball World Cup contingent were queried about the best player in Las Vegas' training camp. Though each fell short of topping the lauded play of Memphis' Jaren Jackson, the two New Yorkers left an impact on their co-stars. Cam Johnson of the Brooklyn Nets, for example, broke down metropolitan barriers to extend his support for Brunson.

“It’s the point guard," Johnson said. "He leads the team, (is a) big communicator, big connecting piece (to the team). He’s a real glue to the team.”

Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards opted for another Villanova-turned-New York star, going with one of the newest Knicks in Hart, a trade deadline import from Portland at last year's trade deadline. 

“He’s just always consistent," Edwards lauded of his former Western Conference foe. "You know he’s going to bring that energy every day.”

Brunson and Hart are expected to take on major roles when World Cup play starts on Aug. 26 in Pasay against New Zealand. Team USA will also face Greece and Jordan as they look to recover from a disappointing sixth-place finish in the 2019 World Cup in China.

The former is expected to take on a starting role in head coach Steve Kerr's starting five. Brunson had already gained some respect from American brass for the way he and his new wife Ali Marks were able to reschedule their nuptials away from World Cup prep. Now, Brunson is backing up that play on the floor. 

"I think Jalen is such a natural leader," Kerr said of Brunson, per Tim Bontemps of ESPN. "He's a point guard, he immediately comes to mind. He's the one who's leading the '1, 2, 3 USA' chant. Some guys just, it just comes naturally to them."

Prior to the trip to Asia, Team USA will play in a series of tune-up exhibitions, which tip off in Las Vegas on Monday night against Puerto Rico. 

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Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags

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