Another argument for Jalen Brunson as the greatest Knick just popped up - RAW CHILI

The New York Knicks have experienced a significant sea-change since the arrival of guard Jalen Brunson four years ago. It has fanned a lot of conversation over his standing in the franchise’s storied history.

Brunson arrived in the Big Apple in 2022, signing a four-year deal worth $104 million as an unrestricted free agent from the Dallas Mavericks. Many initially were skeptical of acquiring the 6’2″ point guard for such a price tag, but as he progressed in his Knicks journey, he proved to be worth every penny of his salary and even more.

On his back, the Knicks are now in the NBA Finals after 27 years and are widely considered in a solid position to end over 50 years of title drought. It also thrust Brunson into the mix as the greatest Knicks player of all time.

And numbers suggest his impact make him the greatest

Improved numbers

As per available data, New York has achieved considerably more during Brunson’s tenure than in the 22 seasons prior to his arrival.

From 2000 to 2022, the Knicks compiled a 721-1,041 record, for a winning percentage of 40.9 percent compared to the last four years with Brunson of 61.3 percent from a 201-127 record.

The Knicks have made it to the postseason in each of the last four years, punctuated by two Eastern Conference finals appearances, while the team only reached the playoffs six times from the 2000-01 campaign to the 2021-22 season, with zero Conference Finals appearances.

Brunson and the Knicks have seven playoff series wins to one in the previous 22 seasons and have won 35 playoff games out of a possible 56 for a 62.5 percent winning clip. It is significantly higher than the 28.6 percent off a 10-25 card it had in the previous two decades.

In his four years in New York, Brunson has averaged 26.3 points in 284 games, second all-time in franchise history, behind only Bernard King‘s 26.5 points and ahead of Knicks legends Carmelo Anthony (24.7 points) and Patrick Ewing (22.8 points).

Brunson, whose father, Rick, used to play for the Knicks and currently is an assistant for the team, also is second in the Blue and Orange’s playoff scoring average with 29.2 points. Behind King’s 31.0 points. He has also peppered it with 6.7 assists and 3.5 rebounds.

Championship assault

In their ongoing assault at the NBA title, Brunson leads a balanced Knicks attack that many consider as the most consistent and potent in the playoffs.

The former Villanova star has been great for a team-leading 26.9 points and 6.6 assists in 36 minutes of action while shooting 48.6 percent from the field and 35.2 percent from three. More than the numbers, his ability to rise in the most crucial of times has served the Knicks well and further enhanced his legend in “Gotham.”

Many now believe that the distinction as the “Knicks greatest ever” is for Brunson to take if New York goes all the way and beats either the Oklahoma City Thunder or the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals.

“I feel like you’re already a Top 3 Knick of all-time,” ESPN analyst and one-time NBA champion Kendrick Perkins told Brunson on the “Roommates Show” back in February.

“Bro, you’re one championship away from being the greatest Knick of all-time, hands down. Do you know how special that s—t is?” Big Perk added.

Sure enough, the tag greatest ever is not easily given for a storied franchise like the Knicks. But Brunson, without a doubt, has put himself in a prime position for it and the numbers don’t lie.

If he wins a title, few will argue that he is the greatest Knick ever.

This story was originally published by Basketball Network on May 30, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.