Dallas Mavericks point guard Jalen Brunson had a strong rookie campaign. He was a second round pick. Fans were not expecting him to play a ton at the beginning of the season. Brunson was behind J.J. Barea and Dennis Smith Jr. in the Mavs pecking order. Things in the NBA change fast, though.
By season’s end, the 22-year-old started 38 games including 19 straight from Feb. 27 to April 7. Brunson averaged 9.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game as a rookie in 21.8 minutes a night. Not bad for the 33rd overall pick.