KOC explains his All-NBA snub of Jalen Brunson
After leaving Jalen Brunson off of his All-NBA ballot, Kevin O'Connor explains his rationale and why All-NBA voting is flawed.
Video Transcript
All I see this morning is anger at me- for not having Jalen Brunson on one of my three All-NBA teams.
And I'm shocked I was the only voter who didn't have him on one of the teams.
So I'm here to say I'm sorry- Knicks fans, and sorry to you guys.
I give you credit because obviously the voter, results have been public for a few years now.
So you knew when you left him off that we'd be able to see that you- Yeah you did not vote Jalen Brunson as one of the 15 best players in the NBA this year.
To put forth, I did reveal my vote in April, and no Knicks fan said anything to me then.
When I posted my whole ballot, nobody said anything in April.
Funny how social media works.
I give you credit for the courage of your convictions.
I am curious, though, what was your ultimate deciding factor, if you, if you don't mind me asking.
Well, I mean, look, I think Brunson was on the bubble for that third team spot, in my opinion.
I know he ended up second team.
So for me, it was about versus Tyrese Maxey versus Jalen Johnson versus Deni Avdija.
And I think, and at least at the time, I favored Deni Avdija as a two-way guy.
Had a big year in Portland.
Jalen Johnson, an offensive fulcrum with the Atlanta Hawks.
Very versatile for that team.
And then it was really, for me, a matter of Maxey versus Brunson.
I favored Maxey slightly 'cause I thought Brunson, that he carries a heavier load offensively.
But Maxey had a great year, but Maxey had a much better defensive regular season.
Ultimately, CP, I think this is one of many examples this year with award voting where it's like Brunson obviously should be All-NBA, and that's a mistake by me.
Jalen Duren never should have received any Most Improved Player of the Year votes.
And Joe Mazzulla wasn't the Coach of the Year, but that's who won it.
Like, should we just be waiting until, like, before the finals to vote?
'Cause Brunson should be first or second team All-NBA this year.
