Walt Frazier is one of the greatest players in New York Knicks franchise history and he believes Jalen Brunson could potentially become one as well. At the Fanatics Fest in NYC, Frazier, who won two titles with the Knicks and made seven All-Star teams, spoke glowingly of Brunson.
“The expectations are always overwhelming," Frazier said. "So to rise to that occasion in his first two years and accept that challenge, catapulting the team, he's definitely got a chance to be one of the greatest Knicks ever, if not the greatest Knick ever."
"I did a video -- I wasn't able to be at the induction when he was inducted as the captain, but I told him, he reminds me a lot of Willis Reed," Frazier continued. "They're both lefties, they have tenacious work ethic, they're always sharing and caring, and team-first concept. They're always thinking of the team, not themselves."
Brunson has only been with the Knicks for two seasons but has made quite an impact in that short time. He led the team to the playoffs in both of them and impressed in the postseason as well.
In the 2023-24 campaign, Brunson averaged 28.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.2 blocks per game. The 27-year-old was named an All-Star for his efforts and finished fifth in voting for MVP.
Brunson then averaged 32.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, 7.5 assists, and 0.8 steals per game in the playoffs and almost took the Knicks to the Eastern Conference Finals. Injuries were what proved to be their downfall in the Conference Semifinals against the Indiana Pacers, as they lost in seven games.
Provided the Knicks are relatively healthy next season, I would back Brunson to get them to the ECF, and that itself would be an incredible achievement. The franchise last made it that far all the way back in 2000 and if he does get them there, I would say he would have a good case to be regarded as one of their greatest players ever.
It's crazy to look back to the 2022 offseason now when the Knicks had signed Brunson to a four-year, $104 million deal. It was seen as an overpay but it has turned out to be the best decision that the franchise made in a very long time.
Jalen Brunson Spoke On Why He Took A Massive Paycut By Signing An Extension In This Offseason
Brunson endeared himself to Knicks fans even more, when he signed a four-year, $156.5 million extension this offseason. Had he waited a year, he could have signed a five-year, 269.1 million deal, so that was a lot of money that he left on the table. As for why he did it, Brunson explained the reasoning behind his $113 million pay cut.
“It made the most sense. You always want to make sure you're set up for wealth for your family, but it was kinda simple. I want to be here. I want to show that actions speak louder than just talking about stuff. I want this team to be together for a long time. I want to win here. That’s it.”
Brunson has been saying all the right things since he arrived and is a firm fan favorite now. This deal also helps the Knicks keep this group together and it will be interesting to see just how far they can go. I don't think they have enough to win the title, but if get a bit lucky, they might just get over the line.
