Knicks HC Puts Jalen Brunson in the Same Conversation as Stephen Curry and Tim Duncan for One Reason

After four years with the New York Knicks, there's no question that Jalen Brunson has become the team's leader. In his first year with the Knicks in the 2022-23 season, he immediately led them to the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference.

Since that time, the Knicks haven't looked back, consistently being top contenders in the East. This was especially true when Brunson led New York to its first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2000 last postseason. In a recent interview with Knicks head coach Mike Brown, he couldn't help but praise Brunson for his leadership on the hardwood.

"Tim Duncan and Steph Curry," Brown said when asked about who he thought was a leader who carries himself like Brunson. "They're not the same player, but ... the quiet strength that they have is unbelievable. ... They just got it. They got it on the floor, and they got it off the floor. It's the whole package."

Brown acknowledged Brunson's strengths and put him on par with NBA legends Stephen Curry and Tim Duncan.

Looking at how Brunson has performed so far in the 2026 NBA Playoffs, he's been one of the most impressive stars to watch. Brunson is currently averaging 27.8 points, 6.7 assists, and 1.0 steals, while shooting at an efficient 48.9% from the field.

Comparing his numbers to Curry and Duncan, it's safe to say that they're on par with each other. Throughout Curry's playoff career, he's averaged 26.8 points, 6.1 assists, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.5 steals. He's also shot an efficient 45.4% from the field.

Meanwhile, Duncan has averaged a double-double in his playoff career, putting up 20.6 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks, with 50.1% shooting from the field.

Based on how Brunson has led the Knicks this season, he's on the verge of rallying his team to their first finals appearance since 1999. If Jalen led New York back to the finals, he would have the opportunity to bring home the team's first title since 1973.

Doing so would undoubtedly elevate Brunson's status to one of the greatest Knicks players of all time.

New York Radio Icon Opens Up About Jalen Brunson Making Knicks All-Time List

There's no denying that many believe Jalen Brunson has earned his place as one of the best New York Knicks players in history. Brunson's status as a Knick would definitely be solidified if he ends up winning the championship this season.

The basketball world is aware of Brunson's position, and New York radio icon Chris 'Mad Dog' Russo shared his thoughts on the Knicks star.

While Russo acknowledged the efforts that Brunson has put in so far within his four seasons with the Knicks, he doesn't see him overtaking Patrick Ewing, Willis Reed, and Walt Frazier on the franchise's all-time greats list.

"I mean, jeez, you're going to put (Jalen Brunson) ahead of Frazier, Reed, and Ewing," Russo questioned in an episode of First Take. "Willis won an MVP. He made the two biggest shots in the history of the franchise. ... The second (Knicks) championship team also beat the Lakers, beat the Celtics, who had Havlicek and Cowens. The (current) Knicks, I mean, they've beaten Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Can we calm down just a little bit about Brunson?"

"To me, you them in any order you want, Reed, Frazier, Ewing. Those three. You want to put Brunson fourth, even if he wins (a championship)? I'll give you that. No problem whatsoever."

Despite Russo's paradox regarding Brunson, there's no question that he has made the Knicks a relevant team in the East again. Similar to Ewing, that alone could make him a worthy member as one of the Knicks' all-time greats.

Ewing may not have won an NBA championship, but he made the Knicks a relevant team again throughout the 15 years he played for the team. The legendary big man led New York to 13 consecutive playoff appearances, from 1988 to 2000. He also notched two Eastern Conference Finals championships in 1994 and 1999.

As for Frazier and Reed, there's no questioning why they are beloved figures in New York. Both legends were responsible for the Knicks' only two championships in franchise history.

But that doesn't discredit what Brunson has done for the franchise. In four years, he's mirrored Ewing's Knicks revival.

While he has yet to win a championship with the Knicks, he has also led them to another Eastern Conference title after sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers. Having all that said, he's well on his way to becoming an all-time Knicks player.