Picture this: In a basketball league dominated by towering players and lightning-fast athletes, there's one guard who's proving that brains and craftiness can trump brawn – and his name is Jalen Brunson. He's not just scoring; he's revolutionizing how we think about the game's ultimate offensive weapon. But here's where it gets intriguing – could he truly be the NBA's top scorer when measured by sheer efficiency and skill against the odds?
LAS VEGAS — Whenever basketball enthusiasts discuss those rare 'unicorns' in the NBA, we're usually talking about talents so exceptional that they've never existed before, players who defy historical comparisons. We look back at legends and wonder if this individual is the pioneer of a whole new archetype.
Knicks guard Jalen Brunson may not fit the strict definition of a unicorn. Yet, the evolving nature of the sport has seemingly worked to eliminate players of his kind. Perhaps it's fair to label him a unicorn of the modern era.
Contemporary teams are exhausting every avenue, exploring every global talent pool, in their quest for ball-handling maestros, primary playmakers, and creators — whatever term you prefer — who measure at least 6 feet 6 inches tall. The league is overflowing with such athletes, and they're still highly sought after. Nowadays, many starting lineups feature players who are a minimum of 6 feet 5 inches across the board. Basketball rosters have never been as physically imposing as they are today.
What the NBA is increasingly lacking, however, are guards like Brunson, who stand under 6 feet 1 inch and yet score with the intensity of a character like Sterling Archer from an animated series. This type of player was more common in the past – think Allen Iverson or Isaiah Thomas. Brunson isn't entirely one of a kind, but he's remarkably close. And don't be misled by the NBA's official records; Brunson doesn't actually reach 6 feet 2 inches.
That's precisely why witnessing performances like Brunson's in Saturday's NBA Cup semifinal victory against the Magic (https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6887141/2025/12/13/nba-cup-takeaways-semifinals-magic-knicks-spurs-thunder/) — where he tallied 40 points on 16 out of 27 shots from the field — feels like the moment to openly declare: Brunson is, without a doubt, the NBA's premier scorer when comparing players of similar stature.
"He's clever, you know," remarked Orlando guard Jalen Suggs, widely regarded as one of the league's top defenders at the point of attack. "He has excellent rhythm and is incredibly intelligent. He doesn't lose interest in the game easily. He doesn't grow weary of sticking to the basics. He puts pressure on you with every single play.
"He's among the elite players in our league. I enjoy that we face off against him four times a year. I've improved through our matchups."
Brunson's achievements aren't merely a brief highlight or a charming phase for undersized guards. This isn't comparable to the Boston Celtics' Isaiah Thomas era. Brunson, who is currently averaging 28.8 points per game this season, hasn't dipped below 24 points per season since relocating to New York four years ago and becoming the cornerstone of the offense. Over the past three years, he hasn't averaged under 26 points.
At present, only seven NBA players are outscoring Brunson on average. Five of them stand at 6 feet 5 inches or taller. The other two, Philadelphia's Tyrese Maxey and Cleveland's Donovan Mitchell, are officially listed at 6 feet 2 inches — and even those heights might be a bit generous for both. However, Maxey and Mitchell possess athletic prowess that Brunson lacks. Maxey is one of the quickest players in the league with the ball in hand. Mitchell can leap extraordinarily high.
There are numerous current players capable of scoring at elite levels, rivaling some of the greatest ever. Brunson, though, frequently accomplishes this against defenders who are several inches taller or significantly heavier. It's not typical for the Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or the Lakers' Luka Dončić to face opponents who dwarf them in that way.
We've acknowledged that certain players do score more points than Brunson overall. And yes, Maxey and Mitchell are also shining examples of smaller guards excelling in scoring. Nevertheless, considering all factors — Brunson is the shortest among his scoring peers, the least athletically gifted guard in that group, yet he maintains strong efficiency and is on the verge of a 30-point average — he stands out as the most effective at getting the ball through the hoop.
And this is the part most people miss: In a league fixated on size and speed, Brunson's success challenges the very blueprint of what makes a top scorer. But here's where it gets controversial – is valuing efficiency over sheer volume really the way to crown the best? Or should raw athleticism play a bigger role?
"He's basically a 6-foot guard, lacking in physical presence and athleticism," noted his teammate and candid friend, Josh Hart. "Yet, he manipulates defenses brilliantly. He has a sharp mind, which allows him to strategize his approach and position himself for success.
"Per inch, I believe he's likely the finest."
Brunson's distinctive, erratic playing style sets him apart from many peers. He's not exceptionally fast, but he can appear so due to his unpredictable dribbling, forceful crossovers, deceptive body movements, and precise footwork, which throw defenders off their balance and enable him to evade those with physical edges.
His footwork, in particular, is what elevates Brunson to a special level. His capacity to operate from both feet creates shooting opportunities unavailable to others. It keeps him balanced and composed, while opponents struggle to anticipate his movements.
This aspect of Brunson's game has been a part of him since fifth grade.
"I often competed against older kids when I was young," Brunson explained, having scored 30 or more points in four consecutive games. "I needed to be tricky. I had to rely on cunning. That footwork has endured. It's been a focus since fifth or sixth grade, really. That's when it began."
Mike Brown, who has coached some of the NBA's premier scorers since 2000, doesn't typically draw direct comparisons between Brunson and those icons. But he has noted on several occasions that Brunson's footwork matches that of Kobe Bryant. Brown does, however, identify shared traits among Brunson, Bryant, LeBron James, Steph Curry, and others he's mentored in the skill of scoring.
"They possess an unyielding determination, always pressing forward relentlessly," the Knicks coach stated. "It's their competitive fire shining through. When they're blocked, double-teamed, or fouled, they persist. Knowing that gives you peace of mind, as no defense or roughness can stop him entirely.
"Plus, he's self-assured. That confidence spreads to everyone — teammates on the court, those on the bench, and the coaching team. His belief invigorates the whole group."
Each season brings a few players who could legitimately vie for the title of the game's current top scorer. You could build a compelling argument for any of them without causing much debate. The league is thriving, with skill levels at historic peaks.
That said, my bet is on the precise, compact guard who, after claiming Clutch Player of the Year last season, has elevated his game this year to become the second-highest scorer in first quarters. My bet is on the player who might trail near the end in team sprint drills but can still carve out openings whenever needed. My bet is on the one who can drain a jumper even with a defender's hand in his face or without interference. My bet is on the guy who couldn't jump over a phone book but consistently sees his shots swish through crowded lanes.
When evaluating who reigns supreme as the NBA's best scorer, factoring in skill and efficiency against the odds, my choice is Brunson.
What do you think? Is Brunson truly the pound-for-pound king of scoring, or does the league's shift toward bigger players make this debate moot? Share your opinions in the comments – do you agree that size doesn't define greatness, or is athleticism the ultimate edge? Let's discuss!
