“What Am I Supposed to Do?”: Jalen Brunson Left Wizards’ Young Star in Awe, Gets Labeled ‘Toughest Opponent’

Jalen Brunson was considered an above-average player when he came into the NBA in 2018, joining the Dallas Mavericks. The two-time NCAA Champion then broke out as one of the top point guards in the league when he was traded to the New York Knicks in 2022. He has continued the ascension ever since. Washington Wizards star Bilal Coulibaly, who has experienced Brunson’s quality from up close, described him as one of the toughest opponents he’s ever faced.

Brunson has averaged 26.4 points, 6.8 assists, and 3.4 rebounds in his time with the Knicks. This is a sizable statistical increase from his four years with the Mavs, where he averaged 11.9 points, 3.7 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game. And the spike in production has left the opposition reeling.

Coulibaly was asked on the recent episode of The Young Man & The Three podcast whether he ever faced a player that “was not fun” to guard. The 20-year-old Frenchman instantly name-dropped Brunson, joking that no matter what he did defensively, the Knicks star had an answer.

“Jalen Brunson…oh my god. It was crazy. He just made everything. I was playing solid defense but he had just so many counters. He could get to the rim whenever he wanted. That floater was cash every time. I was like, ‘Damn what am I supposed to do’?” said Coulibaly, before commending the Knicks team captain for the attributes that make him stand out.

The podcast hosts and Coulibaly pointed out Brunson’s incredible footwork and insane toughness on the hardwood as attributes that make him a formidable opponent.

“He’s so tough, so strong. Man, he’s really nice,” Coulibaly added.

Brunson‘s shot-making ability off the dribble is second to none in the NBA currently. He has earned every minute of his All-Star starting guard nod. His shiftiness enables him to use his body to protect the ball, much like what Derrick Rose did to get past defenders and score from within the arc.

Who else had issues guarding Jalen Brunson?

Jalen Brunson has been a thorn in the side for most of his opponents on the court. But like Coulibaly — some find it impossible to guard the Villanova alum.

Davion Mitchell spoke on this two years ago during an appearance on the Deuce & Mo podcast. Mitchell poked fun at Brunson for being skinny but mentioned that regardless of his size he still bumps quite hard.

“He is probably the hardest person that I’ve guarded,” Mitchell had admitted.

Later in the chat, Mitchell broke down exactly why he always has to be on his A-game with Brunson — and how easily he can expose you on the court when you’re a step behind.

“I really look forward to guarding him every night, but I know that I can’t mess up. He’s gonna see, he’s gonna expose, and he’s going to score the ball,” revealed Mitchell.

Brunson’s impact on the game is hard to ignore, but after being in the league for seven years he’s still yet to get past a Conference Finals championship round. Thanks to the addition of Karl-Anthony Towns, Brunson has an additional clutch scoring option for that deep playoff run assuming he can lead the Knicks back to the postseason.

The team currently holds the #3 spot in the Eastern Conference behind the Cleveland Cavaliers and the 2024 NBA Champs, the Boston Celtics.