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After leading his Knicks to an NBA championship and being crowned Finals MVP, Jalen Brunson has received yet another accolade: being called the “greatest Knick of all-time” by Kendrick Perkins.
The ESPN analyst and former NBA big man, who won a championship with the Celtics in 2008, has been a longtime fan of the Knicks guard and even coined his “Big Body Brunson” nickname.
And after the Knicks’ Game 5 clincher, Perkins took a moment to praise the 29-year-old superstar.
“This man has become the greatest Knick of all time. Yes, I said it,” Perkins said on SportsCenter, placing Brunson ahead of the likes of Patrick Ewing and Willis Reed.
Jalen Brunson was crowned NBA Finals MVP after his stunning performance in Game 5. Getty Images
“He will never spend another dime on another meal, another drink, I don’t know if he’s even gonna have to pay his mortgage in the city of New York.
“This is Mr. New York. He is the new Derek Jeter of this generation.”
Brunson averaged 32.6 points per game in the series, and saved his best performance for last as he scored 45 in San Antonio to will the Knicks to another comeback win.
Knicks Merch Shop
This premium commemorative plaque features the iconic front cover of the New York Post from the Knicks’ historic 2026 NBA Finals victory.
The walls of any true fan require this plaque of our back cover from June 14, 2026 featuring Brunson and the boys celebrating their win.
The “Our Team, Our Title” wrap from our June 15, 2026 print edition set behind acrylic plexiglass and framed in black ayous wood.
Grab a copy of our paper from June 14, 2026 celebrating this huge moment for Knicks fans and New York City as a whole.
OMG, indeed! This adjustable hat says what we were all thinking during this intense championship run.
Own this piece of history with our cover celebrating the Knicks’ sweep over the Cavs.
Knicker Bonkers chronicles the historic championship run that united NYC. Featuring NY Post analysis and vivid photos, relive the magic of MSG.
While Brunson joined an exclusive list of Finals MVPs on Saturday, Perkins has been a longtime admirer of the former Maverick, who first joined New York on a four-year, $104 million deal.
The former Celtic sparred with ex-WNBA star Becky Hammon in 2023, when she declared that the Knicks did not have a “1A” dude and that Brunson was too small.
Kendrick Perkins was full of praise for Brunson after his legendary Game 5. ESPN“They do have that dude,” Perkins fired back. “Jalen Brunson.”
Perkins was emphatically proven right throughout this postseason, and especially on Saturday night, and don’t expect his victory lap to end any time soon.
