Jalen Brunson has led the New York Knicks to within two wins of their first NBA championship since 1973, silencing critics who once doubted his ability to be a franchise player. As a former NBA player, I understand that criticism is part of the game, but in an age when athletes face constant scrutiny, Brunson serves as an example for young players everywhere.
Brunson's Impact on New York
The entire basketball world is praising Jalen Brunson, and rightfully so. He has guided the Knicks to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999, uniting the city of New York in a way rarely seen. On every street, people of all races, creeds, and backgrounds are united in excitement as the team seeks its first title since 1973. Older fans wear Patrick Ewing, Charles Oakley, and John Starks jerseys, while younger fans sport the names of Brunson, Josh Hart, and Karl-Anthony Towns. Chants of "MVP!" echo throughout every borough whenever Brunson steps to the free-throw line. Knicks fans host watch parties on sidewalks, in parks, and on street corners.
The scenes will be even more intense if the Knicks win two more games against the San Antonio Spurs to clinch the title, possibly as soon as Wednesday at Madison Square Garden. Brunson has been the spark for this brilliant run, earning praise from analysts, writers, and broadcasters. But universal praise was not there in 2022 when he joined the Knicks.
Initial Doubts and Criticism
When Brunson signed with the Knicks, many media figures questioned the move. Stephen A. Smith went on a tirade, criticizing the organization for putting faith in Brunson and hiring his father, Rick. "The Knicks are acting like he's KD. Is he KD? Is he Kawhi Leonard? Jalen Brunson isn't the answer," Smith declared. Frank Isola on Sirius XM questioned whether the Knicks were overpaying for a player who had a standout postseason with the Mavericks only due to Luka Dončić's injury. Fox Sports' Nick Wright called it "the saddest sweepstakes ever," while Colin Cowherd and ESPN's Brian Windhorst argued Brunson wasn't the type to elevate a team to contender status. Wright even wondered if Brunson was among the top 10 point guards in the NBA. Kendrick Perkins was one of the few dissenting voices to back Brunson from the start.
Becky Hammon, a six-time WNBA All-Star and three-time champion coach, offered a unique perspective. She praised Brunson's skill, toughness, and leadership but argued that at 6ft 2in, he was too small to be the best player on a championship team. She referenced Hall of Fame guards Allen Iverson, Steve Nash, and John Stockton as elite players who never won a title as the unquestioned best player. She noted that most NBA champions are led by taller stars, and smaller guards are easier to target defensively in playoff series. While acknowledging Stephen Curry as an exception, she stated, "If your best player is small, you're not winning." Even after Brunson led the Knicks to the 2026 NBA Finals, Hammon maintained her stance but acknowledged he could prove her wrong.
A Lesson for Young Athletes
The point is not to criticize the media but to send a message to young athletes who give too much credence to what "they" say. Athletes have always faced criticism, from newspaper columnists to radio hosts to cable TV hot-take artists. But now, young athletes are glued to their phones, subject to negative attention on social media 24/7. We have seen many athletes fall into depression and lose their love for the sport. Not every young athlete can be as brilliant as Brunson, but he has shown that opinions on social media and cable are just opinions.
This season, after years of criticism, Brunson has achieved the following:
- Made the All-NBA second team (with a strong case for first team)
- Won the Larry Bird Trophy as Eastern Conference finals MVP after averaging 25.5 points and 7.8 assists against Cleveland
- Led the Knicks to within two games of the championship after a 13-game winning streak
- Produced clutch moments in the NBA Finals, including 30 points in Game 1 and a game-sealing steal and free throw in Game 2
For Knicks fans, this playoff run has cemented Brunson's reputation as one of the franchise's greatest postseason performers and a premier clutch player. I hope the message resonates with all young players: never let haters discourage you. Always believe in yourself and let the hate motivate you to greatness.
Etan Thomas played in the NBA from 2000 through 2011. He is a published author, podcaster, poet, activist, and motivational speaker.
