Jalen Brunson is a fantastic player who has rightfully earned superstar status with the New York Knicks. It has been a long time coming because he was a backup guard for the Dallas Mavericks, but he truly came into his own in New York.

He has been superb with the Knicks, as he has made them a perennial postseason team. At the same time, they have kept improving every year, reaching the Eastern Conference Finals in the 2025 Playoffs. However, people still doubt his stardom.

Paul Pierce questions Jalen Brunson’s ability to lead the Knicks to a title

For the longest time, the Knicks have had a lot of trouble reaching the Playoffs. When Brunson joined the team, he became one of the most impressive players in the league. He truly broke out as a true star who can propel a team to success.

Unfortunately, there are still questions swirling around the Knicks. Brunson is still a 6’2″ guard, which is usually not indicative of a prototypical championship-winning superstar.

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WNBA legend and Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon pointed this out a couple of years ago. She thought that Brunson is not the type of player to build around because he is a bit too small.

Now, Boston Celtics legend and 2008 Finals MVP Paul Pierce has reaffirmed that belief with his latest comments about Brunson and the Knicks.

“Your best player can’t be 6’2″. On a championship team. Tell me which championship team’s player was the best player at 6’2″? Just Steph,” Pierce said on the No Foul Given show.

“Jalen Brunson is a great player. I wouldn’t consider him an all-time at 6’2″. If your best player is 6’2″, it’s going to be tough for you to win a championship. It’s just throughout history.”

As the Knicks wait to play against the Atlanta Hawks, Brunson will be under pressure again. Thankfully, the rest of the team is a talented bunch, so they can help Brunson cement his status as a title-winning star.

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