Why Jalen Brunson is the steal of the draft

While Luka Dončić is the undisputed big fish the Dallas Mavericks landed in the draft, Jalen Brunson might be the steal of the draft.

Although the Mavericks have a glaring need for a center, drafting a two-time NCAA champion who is also the reigning National Player of the Year is not a bad get for Dallas. Sure, there’s an excess in guards on the Mavs roster, but when a guy with Jalen Brunson’s résumé is available in the second round you take him.

Here’s three reasons why Brunson will prove to be the steal of the draft.

1. Résumé

As already mentioned, Brunson’s accolades and achievements are something that no one else in this year’s draft has. He swept every major award in college basketball last season, and was the leader on Villanova’s championship team. Brunson averaged 18.9 points and 4.6 assists while shooting a cool 52.1 percent from the field and 40.8 percent from 3-point range.

Although most mock drafts had him going in the second round, it’s likely due to the fact that this was one of the deepest drafts in recent memory. Not to mention, not many teams in the league are clamoring for point guards right now. The Mavericks lucked into Brunson falling into their laps with the No. 33 pick, and have an opportunity to have three very skilled guards with Brunson, Dennis Smith Jr. and Luka Dončić.

2. Skill set

Brunson can operate from virtually anywhere on the court, and has spectacular vision on the floor. In is introductory press conference with the Dallas Mavericks, Brunson said that Steve Nash was his idol growing up, and it shows from the sharp, clean, sometimes impossible, passes that he makes.

At 6’3″, 200 pounds Brunson has impressive strength when finishing at the rim. He absorbs contact well and isn’t afraid to maneuver through traffic in the paint to get a bucket. Brunson utilizes a solid crossover to get to the rim, and while he isn’t the fastest it’s still effective. Brunson’s physicality makes up for his lackluster speed on both ends of the floor.

Although he isn’t an elite defender, Brunson is serviceable on defense, and has room to improve at the NBA level. Under the guidance of Rick Carlisle and his coaching staff, Brunson’s defense will only improve through gaining experience.

3. Age

Unlike many of the picks at the top of the draft, Brunson played three years of collegiate basketball, making him 21 years old. Some may say that’s a knock on him, but with age comes maturity, and Brunson has been praised for exactly that from his former coach Jay Wright.

Coach Wright said of his former player, “He approaches the game like a coach, he thinks like a coach and he plays like a coach.” Those are promising words you want to hear about your point guard.

Brunson’s age also comes in play in pressure situations. Throughout his time at Villanova there was never a moment too big for Brunson, and with three years of experience playing in front of sell-out crowds that experience will come in handy in the NBA.

The Mavericks are going through a youth movement, and while young talent is essential, it’s always beneficial to have someone older than 18 or 19 years old to provide leadership to younger guys.

Brunson’s maturity and age can pay dividends for the Mavericks both on and off the floor. While he’s a rookie, and will be treated as such, his maturity will carry a lot of weight with Carlisle when it comes to playing time.

Next: The future of the Dallas Mavericks: One piece at a time

Mavs fans may have wanted a forward or center taken with the 33rd pick, but Brunson fits into what Carlisle does on offense perfectly. Although it will take time, Brunson could develop into a solid sixth man for the Mavericks.