"These guys have aura": NBA fans react to Jalen Brunson, Kyrie Irving putting in offseason work together
The NBA season is just 41 days away and there will be high expectations for Jalen Brunson and Kyrie Irving in 2024. The extremely skillful guards have firmly established themselves as the two of the NBA's top players and are considered leaders for their respective organizations.
On Tuesday, Brunson and Irving were photographed putting in some offseason work in New York as they prepare for the upcoming season. Brunson recently signed a four-year extension with the New York Knicks, and Irving previously played for the Brooklyn Nets, giving both players close ties to the city.
NBA fans on social media were thrilled to see two of the league's top point guards working out together.
"These guys have AURA," a fan said.
"The most skilled guards in the league," another fan said.
"Best players in the league 6’2” and under," a fan added.
More comments followed:
"Legendary," another fan said.
"Brunson and the goat Kai," one fan said.
"Knicks vs mavs finals confirmed," a fan added.
Kyrie Irving was traded to the Dallas Mavericks iat the trade deadline in 2023. He was the perfect replacement for Jalen Brunson after the latter decided to sign with the Knicks in the 2022 offseason.
Both players had success over the the past few seasons. New York has been become a contender in the East with Tom Thibodeau's side going all the way to the conference semifinals in back-to-back seasons.
Irving was a key figure for the Mavericks last year as they made the NBA finals before losing 4-1 to the Boston Celtics.
Jalen Brunson was instrumental in leading Knicks to their best regular-season finish in 11 seasons
Prior to Jalen Brunson's move in the Big Apple in 2022, it had been a difficult period for New York Knicks fans who had little to cheer about. The team had managed to qualify for the playoffs just five times between 2001-2022, and reached the Eastern Conference semifinals just once in that 21-year stretch.
There is a sense of optimism around the Knicks now that has coincided with Brunson's arrival. The 28-year-old has been phenomenal since signing with the organization, leading the team to the Eastern Conference semifinals in 2023 and 2024.
Last season, the Knicks ended the year with a 50-32 record, their best finish since the 2012-13 season. Brunson led the Knicks roster in points (28.7), assists (6.7) and minutes per game (35.4).