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Steve Kerr: Knicks' Jalen Brunson 'High' on List for Team USA 2024 Olympic Roster

Joseph Zucker

United States men's national team coach Steve Kerr offered a strong endorsement of New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson as he weighs his options ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

"There's a reason he's on our list," Kerr said, per the New York Post's Stefan Bondy. "Because he's a great, great player and high character, a leader. He's everything you want as a player. He's high on our list and he's definitely somebody we're considering."

Brunson represented the United States at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, averaging 11 points and four assists per game across eight contests.

While fans don't look back on the tournament fondly, it was an opportunity for younger stars and those without a wealth of international experience to get their feet wet. Brunson is one such player whose World Cup participation could prove valuable in the long run.

The 27-year-old is among the 41 names in the player pool for Kerr and managing director Grant Hill, and his performance across the 2023-24 season is making a compelling case for his inclusion in the Summer Games.

Brunson is putting up career highs in points (27.6) and assists (6.4) while shooting 40.0 percent from beyond the arc.

Kerr will be spoiled for choice with so many big names signaling their desire to capture Olympic gold in Paris. James Harden, Devin Booker, Stephen Curry, Tyrese Haliburton, Damian Lillard, Donovan Mitchell and Kyrie Irving are among the backcourt options he could have at his disposal.

Still, it will be tough to overlook Brunson when it's time to make a final decision.

   

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