Charles Barkley seems to be just as moved as Jalen Brunson on his All-Star selection. Chuck was relentlessly campaigning for the Knicks point guard’s All-Star debut last week. Now that it has happened six seasons into his career, Brunson was visibly emotional. His emotions even moved the folks at TNT, especially Barkley.

“The tears in his eyes, because the guy made the All-Star team. It’s a great honor,” said Chuck, an 11x All-Star. “Especially when you’re somebody in his situation… Man, I’m just happy for that kid but just to see that emotion of being selected to the All-Star. We talked about it last week and tonight, making the All-Star team is a big deal. And I told you, I’d rather make it by the coaches, I’m just happy for him. I mean you just saw it in his eyes.”

Even Kenny “The Jet” Smith, who has two NBA championships but no All-Star selections, was bursting with pride for Brunson. Referencing how Brunson’s career picked up since coming to the New York Knicks in 2022 and how’s shone in Madison Square Garden, he implied he’s a phenom.

“They don’t stay and listen to interviews. There’s so many things to do in New York City. You’re out to have 19,500 stay and listen to your interview and chant MVP, that is a college-like atmosphere that I have not seen.”

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Shaquille O’Neal kept it brief. “Love the way he plays, happy for him. Far good player in the league, he’s a great kid, so…” 1A, as Knicks nation has recently christened him, led them to a 109-105 victory over the Pacers. He dropped an impressive 40 points with 5 rebounds and 1 assists in 37 minutes.

Jalen Brunson’s well-deserved moment

In the post-game interview, the crowd at MSG rained him with chants of “MVP” which left him choking on emotions. “I got nothing to say,” he responded. He didn’t get into his individual glory but about the shorthanded Knicks bouncing back. “We kept fighting man… that’s what we do.” 

Since being a background character in Dallas, Brunson has emerged as a bonafide leader in New York. He’s achieved career-highs averaging 27.1 points, 6.5 assists, and 42% from three Finally, he’s an All-Star now.

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When Dame Lillard was named All-Star starter, Brunson looked down but respectfully congratulated him. As for Barkley, “I would have loved to see Jalen Brunson be a starter,” adding that he’s the “best signing” and an “upgrade” for the Knicks. What did you think about Brunson and the Inside Crew’s emotional reaction to this All-Star selection?

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