Knicks’ Jalen Brunson: ‘I Thought I Was Deserving’ of Spot on Team USA Olympic Roster

New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson believed that he was “deserving” of a spot on the United States men’s basketball roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“Yeah, for sure,” Brunson told Sam Schube of GQ Sports. “The way I played last year, I thought I was deserving. I thought I could have fit in. I’ve played many roles throughout my career; I could play another. But obviously, it just wasn’t in the cards at that time. And so, you move on and you find ways to get better.”

The All-Star point guard also revealed that he has his sights set on a roster spot during the 2028 Summer Olympics.

“You keep having goals, and that’s a goal of mine,” Brunson said. “I want to play next time.”

The 28-year-old is coming off a career year, as his scoring average of 28.7 points per game ranked No. 4 among all players during the 2023-24 season. He also averaged 3.6 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game on 47.9/40.1/84.7 shooting splits, helping the Knicks win 50 games and finish with the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.

Brunson was part of the U.S. men’s basketball team in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, although the United States couldn’t earn any hardware. The U.S. squad fell to Germany in the semifinal round before suffering a disappointing loss to Canada in the bronze-medal game.

He was selected as one of 41 finalists for the Olympic roster, earning praise from U.S. men’s national team coach Steve Kerr in March.

“He’s high on our list and he’s definitely somebody we’re considering,” Kerr said, per Stefan Bondy of the New York Post.

The point guards on the Paris Olympics team included Stephen Curry, Jrue Holiday and Tyrese Haliburton. Team USA won its fifth straight gold medal, taking down France in the final contest by the score of 98-87.

While Brunson attempts to help the Knicks maintain their status as one of the top teams in the East alongside Karl-Anthony Towns, he’s also focused on a future Olympic appearance after missing the cut in 2024.