NBA Notes: Knicks, Jalen Brunson, Clippers, Jazz, Svi Mykhailiuk

Knicks

Jalen Brunson may not look like the prototype for a top-five NBA player. His résumé is beginning to suggest otherwise.

Scott Davis of NBA On SI⁠ made the case that Brunson remains underrated despite leading the Knicks to a championship.

The argument has substance. Brunson has earned All-NBA honors in three consecutive seasons, something only Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have also accomplished during that span.

Since 2023-24, Brunson is one of four players to average at least 25 points and six assists while shooting better than 37 percent from outside.

The other three are Jokic, Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic.

Brunson also has led the NBA in total playoff points and postseason scoring average over the past three years. Last season ended with him scoring 45 points in the championship-clinching Game 5 of the Finals.

Reasonable people can debate whether he belongs ahead of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Victor Wembanyama or others. Brunson’s defensive limitations matter.

Still, the old argument against him was that a small guard could not be the best player on a championship team. That argument is over.

Clippers

Gradey Dick, Cam Christie and Johni Broome enter training camp with more than rotation spots at stake.

Cem Yolbulan of Clippers On SI⁠ identified the three young players as facing potentially pivotal seasons. That is his assessment, not an indication that the Clippers have made decisions about any of them.

Dick is the most recognizable name after arriving from the Raptors in the Kawhi Leonard trade. The former lottery pick is entering the final season of his rookie contract and must find minutes in a crowded perimeter group that includes Bradley Beal, Max Strus, Kris Dunn and Kobe Sanders.

Christie faces an even more immediate concern. The third-year guard has yet to establish himself as an NBA shooter, and Los Angeles must trim its roster before opening night.

Broome may have the clearest opportunity. With Yanic Konan Niederhauser injured and Brook Lopez unlikely to carry a heavy workload, backup center minutes should be available.

Potential got all three this far. Production will determine what comes next.

Jazz

Svi Mykhailiuk could become a trade candidate if he falls out of the Jazz’s wing rotation, Jared Koch of Jazz On SI⁠ suggested.

There is no report that Utah is actively shopping Mykhailiuk.

The premise is based on the roster. Darryn Peterson, Ace Bailey and Brice Sensabaugh need opportunities, while newcomers Josh Green and Josh Okogie also figure to compete for minutes.

Mykhailiuk remains useful as a low-cost shooter who can enter a lineup without requiring the offense to change. His contract, worth roughly $3 million annually, would also be easy for another team to absorb.

Utah has no pressing reason to move him. Reliable shooting has value, particularly across an 82-game season.

But if the younger wings claim the available minutes, the Jazz may eventually have to decide whether Mykhailiuk helps them more as depth or as a modest trade asset.