The NBA announced the 2024 All-Star Game starters during Inside The NBA on Thursday. When the Eastern Conference backcourt was revealed, the NBA World was stunned to find Jalen Brunson’s name missing from the starting position. After the tallied votes by the fans, media, and players, Brunson was tied for the 2nd position among guards with Damian Lillard. However, Dame got the starting nod as he was higher in fan voting despite Brunson having a huge Knicks fanbase.

Boston Celtics legend Kendrick Perkins slammed lifelong Knicks fan Stephen A. Smith for betraying Brunson and being the “prime example” for the 27-year-old superstar’s misery.

Stephen A. Smith gets a reality check about Jalen Brunson

After the Eastern Conference All-Star starters were announced, Stephen A. Smith revealed his thoughts about Jalen Brunson not making the cut. “Perfectly fine.” the veteran analyst said. Despite being a die-hard Knicks fan, Stephen A. voted for Tyrese Haliburton and Donovan Mitchell over Jalen Brunson as his starting guards.

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Celtics legend Kendrick Perkins called out Stephen A. Smith for betraying the Knicks guard. “You are the prime example, along with the organization of not promoting his (Jalen Brunson) name and what he is,” Perkins said.

Perkins slammed Stephen A. for not appreciating what Brunson has done for the Knicks and disregarding him as the first option.

Jalen Brunson has had an incredible season so far, averaging 26.5 points, 6.4 assists, and 3.8 rebounds. He has led the New York Knicks to the 4th spot in the Eastern Conference standings with a 28-17 record. Brunson has lifted the Knicks back to NBA relevance following years of poor performance and struggles. However, despite being considered the most vocal fanbase in the NBA, the Knicks fans failed their superstar by not voting for him.

The most underrated free agent signing

The New York Knicks acquired Jalen Brunson in 2022 after he became a free agent. Brunson was coming off a decent season with the Mavericks, but no one expected him to reach this level of greatness in New York. The 27-year-old guard ended the Knicks’ playoff drought last season and led them to their first playoff series victory in 10 years. Hall of Famer Charles Barkley has repeatedly called Brunson the Greatest free agent signing of all time during Inside The NBA.

If not the greatest, Brunson is undoubtedly one of the most underrated signings in league history. He has become more than a key piece in a team. Brunson has evolved into a superstar for the Knicks and a player they can build around. Even though he got snubbed as an Eastern Conference starter, Brunson will most likely make his first All-Star team as a reserve this year.

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