Is Brunson the greatest player in Knicks history?
Rick Brunson, Jalen’s father, weighed in on the question that has taken over the NBA world and social media following the historic championship run of the New York Knicks
Moments after the final buzzer that delivered the third NBA title in New York Knicks history – and their first in 53 years – a debate immediately erupted across the basketball world: is Jalen Brunson the greatest Knick of all time?
During the NBA Finals, the Villanova product averaged 32.6 points, 4.6 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game, numbers that earned him the NBA Finals MVP award.
In Game 5, the former Maverick poured in 45 points, becoming just the second player in NBA history to close out a Finals series on the road with a performance of that magnitude. The other? Michael Jordan.
During the postgame edition of Inside the NBA, the inevitable question came up: is Jalen Brunson the greatest player in Knicks history? The answer came from his father Rick, currently an assistant coach with New York.
I want to put an end to the discussion too. No offense – I love my son – but Patrick Ewing is the greatest Knicks player I’ve ever seen
Rick Brunson
Kenny Smith laughed and immediately poured fuel on the debate.
Well, I’ll say it plainly: this is going to be a debate now
Kenny Smith
Regardless of Rick Brunson’s comments – which may also have been an attempt to take some pressure off his son – what Jalen Brunson has accomplished is remarkable. The Finals MVP completely changed the trajectory of the franchise, helping transform the Knicks from a struggling team into NBA champions in just four years.
His journey in orange and blue is far from over and, as always in the NBA, everything can change quickly. But one thing is certain: the debate is officially on. After winning a championship and Finals MVP, Jalen Brunson has secured his place in Knicks history.