Where Does Jalen Brunson Rank Among the 5 Greatest Knicks?

The New York Knicks are in the NBA Finals. This is not a drill. I repeat, this is not a drill. 

They have not reached the Finals since 1999 and have not won a title since 1973. The previous two decades before Jalen Brunson were particularly rough for fans because the team went through extended stretches of futility. New York’s turnaround from five years ago in terms of reputation and success is truly remarkable. 

The Knicks breezed to the Finals this season, but how historic was the run itself? And where does Jalen Brunson rank among Knicks legends as of this moment, and if he guides the team to a championship over the next three weeks? 

Knicks’ Path to 2026 NBA Finals 

New York did not begin the postseason on a high note. It won the opening contest against Atlanta but dropped the next two games to fall to a 2-1 series deficit. And then it happened. Everything clicked for the Knicks. They proceeded to win three straight games to close out the series before sweeping both Philadelphia and Cleveland on the way to the NBA Finals. That’s 11 straight wins! 

The Knicks outscored their opponents by a total of 262 points during this winning streak. According to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, “that is the best point differential across 11 games in NBA history, regardless of whether it is regular or postseason play.” 

Although they enter the Finals riding high, it’s not all peaches and cream. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Mitchell Robinson sustained a broken pinky finger on his shooting hand. The backup center underwent surgery and plans to play in Game 1, but it could impact his rebounding and defense. 

Overall, the Big Apple is rightfully buzzing about the Knicks. It’s the best iteration of this team in decades, and there is a real chance that New York claims the title for the first time in 53 years. 

Ranking the 5 Greatest Knicks Players in Franchise History

Although the order varies from person to person, there are four Knicks who stand above the rest and form a consensus, Mount Rushmore. The fifth spot could go in any number of directions, including Earl Monroe, John Starks, Charles Oakley, and Carmelo Anthony. It’s a matter of personal taste and nostalgia. 

5. Bernard King 

When Bernard King joined New York in 1982, the franchise was in a slump of mediocrity and well past the glory days of the early 1970s. King injected excitement into the atmosphere immediately, as the Brooklyn native averaged 21.9 points per game and led the Knicks to the second round for the first time since 1978. Philadelphia swept New York on the way to a title, but it was a promising step in the right direction. 

King once again racked up points and steered the Knicks to the second round in 1984. They took the eventual champions, the Celtics, to seven games but fell short. His Game 6 performance of 44 points on 16-for-25 shooting to extend the series is a forgotten gem. He won the scoring title during the following season at 32.9 points per game, although his season was cut short due to a torn ACL and bone fractures. King’s devastating injuries closed the book on his Knicks career. 

Despite only logging three notable seasons with New York, he rejuvenated Madison Square Garden through his electric scoring and made the franchise truly relevant again after an underwhelming decade post-Willis Reed and Walt Frazier. 

4. Jalen Brunson 

After an impressive 2022 postseason run, Jalen Brunson departed Dallas in free agency to sign with New York. Even the most optimistic Knicks fans could not have predicted Brunson’s ascension. He transformed from a good starter to an All-NBA guard, and New York came along for the ride. The franchise reached the second round in 2023 for the first time since 2013 and continued to build upon its success. New York leveled up to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2025 before finally returning to the NBA Finals this season. 

Brunson’s play is the biggest reason behind the team’s deep playoff runs, but he also sacrificed financially to give the front office more flexibility. During the 2024 offseason, Brunson signed a four-year, $156.5 million contract and left roughly $113 million on the table. The Knicks would not have been able to pay Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart without this significant act of charity. 

There already a strong argument for Brunson to be on the Knicks Mount Rushmore after only four seasons. That’s what happens when you transform a franchise from a laughingstock into a perennial contender. Winning a title for New York will only solidify Brunson as an all-time great.

3. Patrick Ewing 

New York won the inaugural NBA lottery in 1985 and selected Patrick Ewing with the first overall pick. Unlike the 2026 NBA Draft, which does not have a consensus best player, the Georgetown center was commonly viewed as a sure-fire superstar. He averaged 20 points per game during his first season and received Rookie of the Year and an All-Star berth. His stellar play lessened the sting of Bernard King’s catastrophic injuries, which occurred the year prior. 

Ewing wound up playing 15 seasons with the Knicks and remains their all-time leader in games, points, rebounds, and blocks. He guided New York to a pair of NBA Finals appearances and was a fixture of the golden age of centers during the 1990s. Although Ewing never managed to get over the hump, he gave Knicks fans their best shot at a title since the early 1970s. Reasonable arguments can be made that Ewing is the greatest Knick, but it’s difficult to place him over the following two legends, who each won a pair of titles together.  

2. Willis Reed 

“The Captain” spent his entire 11-year career with New York. Willis Reed is the only Knicks player to win MVP or Finals MVP, and he ranks third in career points and second in career rebounds as a Knick. 

But it’s not just the accolades or titles that cement his case as a franchise icon. Reed was the heart of the team. His most famous moment came during the 1970 NBA Finals when he tore a muscle in his thigh in Game 5 against the Lakers. Reed missed the following contest, and players and fans did not expect him to suit up for Game 7. And yet, Reed limped out of the tunnel before tipoff to the delight of Madison Square Garden. He lit a fire under the Knicks by knocking down his first two shots of the game and helped hold Wilt Chamberlain to 21 points. Reed’s gutsy performance is the stuff of legends.

1. Walt Frazier 

While Reed was the heart of the 1970s Knicks, Walt Frazier was the soul. “Clyde” oozed style on and off the court thanks to his personality, choice of wardrobe, and superb skill set. 

He’s one of the best two-way point guards in NBA history and owns the greatest game ever played by a Knick. Turn back the clock to Game 7 of the 1970 Finals. Reed was unable to make an offensive impact as he hobbled through his thigh injury, while the opposition featured Chamberlain, Jerry West, and Elgin Baylor. Despite the daunting task, Frazier tallied 36 points, 19 assists, seven rebounds, and five steals on 12-for-17 shooting from the field. His performance led New York to its first title in franchise history, and Frazier won another championship with Reed three years later.

“Clyde” totaled 10 seasons in New York and is still the franchise leader in assists. He also stayed involved with the Knicks after he retired by becoming involved in broadcasting. Frazier began working for the MSG Network in 1987 and remains a color commentator to this day. Overall, Frazier epitomizes the Big Apple and is regarded as the greatest Knick.