It is looking like Jalen is the new John in the NBA.
So far, as of posting, 14 out of the 30 teams have a player named Jalen, Jaylen, or Jaylin. In total, 16 active players have that first name, which means 3% of the 450 or so players in NBA rosters as of January 3 are named Jalen, Jaylen, or Jaylin.
Take a look:
It’s an inconsequential tidbit, if we’re being honest, but it’s fascinating nonetheless to have these many Jalens making it to the world’s premier league.
The NBA’s Jalens Can Form a Really Good Team
Interestingly, one could build a very good team from all the Jalens in the NBA right now. It would be a young, dynamic, and extremely athletic team at that, with lots of modern wings who can shoot, play make, and defend. This team of Jalens would even have a one-time NBA champion and Finals MVP, an All-Star caliber point guard, and a sturdy but mobile big.
Here is a pretty strong Jalen starting five:
PG – Jalen Brunson (6-2), New York Knicks
25.2 PPG | 3.0 RPG | 7.7 APG | 0.8 SPG
SG – Jaylen Brown (6-6), Boston Celtics
24.4 PPG | 6.0 RPG | 4.6 APG | 1.4 SPG
SF – Jalen Williams (6-5), Oklahoma City Thunder
21.0 PPG | 5.9 RPG | 5.2 APG | 1.8 SPG
PF – Jalen Johnson (6-8), Atlanta Hawks
19.9 PPG | 10.2 RPG | 5.4 APG | 1.5 SPG | 1.1 BPG
C – Jalen Duren (6-10), Detroit Pistons
9.6 PPG | 9.2 RPG | 2.3 APG | 1.1 BPG
The Jalens coming off the bench for this All-Jalen squad are pretty good as well:
PG – Jalen Suggs (6-5), Orlando Magic
16.8 PPG | 4.2 RPG | 3.8 APG | 1.5 SPG | 1.0 BPG
SG – Jalen Green (6-5), Houston Rockets
19.4 PPG | 4.5 RPG | 2.5 APG | 1.0 SPG
SF – Jaylen Wells (6-8), Memphis Grizzlies
11.3 PPG | 3.2 RPG | 1.7 APG
