The Unsung Engine of the Knicks' Resurgence
Jalen Brunson’s breakout campaign featured 26 points and 6.8 assists per game, earning him multiple accolades and guiding New York to its first championship since 1973. His heavy usage translated into high volume numbers, but it also introduced more turnovers and limited his defensive and rebounding contributions.
In the world of 9‑category fantasy basketball, points and assists are only part of the equation. OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges, despite averaging fewer points than Brunson, surged ahead in the overall rankings by excelling in steals, three‑point shooting, and overall efficiency. Their ability to protect the rim, hit threes at a high clip, and minimize mistakes gave them a composite score that outpaced the star guard.
Anunoby’s rebounding and shot‑blocking added a defensive dimension that many traditional stat sheets overlook, while Bridges combined consistency with a low turnover rate to maximize his impact. Both players demonstrated that a well‑rounded skill set can outweigh raw scoring totals in a multi‑category format.
A New Breed of All‑Around Contributors
The success of Anunoby and Bridges has sparked a league‑wide search for similar archetypes. Names such as Andrew Wiggins, Jaden McDaniels, Ausar Thompson, Collin Gillespie, Myles Turner, Donte DiVincenzo, Donovan Clingan, Onyeka Okongwu and Rudy Gobert all fit the profile of high‑efficiency role players who can move the needle in categories beyond points.
Fantasy analysts now advise drafting Brunson in the late‑second or early‑third round of a 9‑category draft, recognizing that his scoring and playmaking will be valuable, but that the true upside often lies with the supporting cast that can deliver steals, blocks and shooting percentages at a high level.
The lesson for roster builders is clear: maximizing opportunity, shooting efficiently and limiting errors can create a player who outperforms expectations in a crowded fantasy landscape. As the Knicks’ title run illustrates, the most valuable contributors are not always the ones who light up the scoreboard, but those who make the most of every minute on the floor.