It was only last season when Jalen Brunson was being questioned as a true, winning superstar. You might remember the debate. There were several naysayers, but Becky Hammon became the most notable by declaring Brunson as “too small” to carry a franchise to great heights.
Historically, she was only partially correct. Steph Curry is taller than Brunson by a couple of inches but hardly a giant. Height didn’t stop him from winning four titles. Allen Iverson is Brunson’s size and took the Sixers to the NBA Finals nearly 25 years ago, basically as a one-man offense.
Shorty Brunson? He bucked the stereotypes with a 2024 statistical playoff stretch rivaling Michael Jordan’s best, dragging the injury-detonated Knicks beyond reasonable expectations but still falling one win short of clearing that nettlesome second-round hurdle.
The response from the Knicks’ front office was to double down on Brunson — perhaps triple down is more appropriate. They sprinted to sign his team-friendly extension. They named him captain, even opening MSG in August for a ceremony. They changed the roster to fit around the point guard, either acquiring or re-signing pieces who allowed Brunson to command the ball and flourish.