Jalen Brunson
PG, Villanova · 2018 NBA Draft, 2nd round, pick #33 (DAL)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: length. Details below.
- Length
Wingspan 6' 3" at 6' 2" tall (+1.0 in.), per ESPN's draft profile.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.2% of the time (73 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #37 (#9 at his position), close to where he went (#33). The whole market, not just his team, missed on him.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 51.8% of the time (765 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Age
21.8 years old on draft night (born 1996-08-31).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 47.6% of the time (286 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Path to the draft
Played college basketball at Villanova.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 53.2% of the time (1,015 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
PG (ESPN draft listing).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 48.9% of the time (499 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 566 games over 9 NBA seasons (~77% of a full 82-game schedule each year).
Every line comes from data: Basketball-Reference career data; ESPN's draft profile; Wikidata birth dates. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numberslive
| Seasons | 9 |
| Games | 566 |
| Minutes / game | 30.0 |
| Points / game | 19.2 |
| Rebounds / game | 3.2 |
| Assists / game | 5.3 |
| Win Shares (career) | 54.4 |
| VORP | 18.7 |
| Box Plus/Minus | 2.4 |
| 2026-27 so far | 3 GP, 22.7 PPG (ESPN) |
Career Win Shares + VORP (Basketball-Reference, through 2025-26) + 2026-27 estimates from ESPN season stats.
The 2018 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2018 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Length Under +2 in. | 56.2% n=73 | |
| Pre-draft rankings Within 10 picks of ESPN's rank | 51.8% n=765 | |
| Age 21 | 47.6% n=286 | |
| Path to the draft US college | 53.2% n=1,015 | |
| Position Guard | 48.9% n=499 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 2", 198 lbs |
| Wingspan | 6' 3" |
| Age on draft night | 21.8 |
| Born | 1996-08-31 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #37 overall (#9 PG) |
Picked around him 2018 redraft
| 30 | Omari Spellman | redraft #37 |
| 31 | Elie Okobo | redraft #43 |
| 32 | Jevon Carter | redraft #30 |
| 34 | Devonte' Graham | redraft #25 |
| 35 | Melvin Frazier | redraft #56 |
| 36 | Mitchell Robinson | redraft #7 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 15+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.