Jalen Brunson capped off one of the greatest runs in NBA history, so where does he rank among Knicks legends?
There is no longer any debate about whether Jalen Brunson belongs among the greatest players in New York Knicks history.
The only question left is where he ranks.
After leading the Knicks to their first NBA championship since 1973, Brunson has officially cemented himself as one of the most important players in franchise history. He delivered the moment generations of New York fans had been waiting for, bringing a championship back to Madison Square Garden and ending a 53-year title drought.
Jalen Brunson (11) celebrates while holding the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy during the Knicks ticker-tape parade and celebration on Broadway in downtown Manhattan.But when ranking him among the legends who built the Knicks franchise, where does Brunson stand?
The answer is No. 3.
That is not a criticism of Brunson. In fact, reaching third on the Knicks' all-time list after only a few seasons in New York shows just how incredible his impact has been.
The franchise has been defined by legends like Walt Frazier, Bernard King, Patrick Ewing, and Willis Reed. Their accomplishments helped create the foundation of Knicks basketball.
However, what Brunson accomplished during the 2026 postseason was something New York had not experienced in decades.
Jalen Brunson (11) celebrates with his teammates after the Knicks defeat the San Antonio Spurs during game five of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center. Brunson's Championship Run
The Knicks had not reached the NBA Finals in more than 25 years and had not won a championship since the early 1970s.
Brunson changed that.
When the pressure was at its highest, the All-Star point guard elevated his game and proved why he is one of the best leaders in the NBA.
During New York's five-game NBA Finals victory over the San Antonio Spurs, Brunson averaged 32.6 points, 4.6 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game while shooting 38.9% from 3.
He delivered the defining performance of the series in Game 5, scoring 45 points to lead the Knicks to a 94-90 victory and capture NBA Finals MVP honors.
Those numbers alone are historic, but Brunson's value went beyond the box score.
Throughout the playoffs, whenever New York needed a basket, Brunson delivered. He was the team's closer, leader, and sole during the Finals run.
Why Willis Reed Remains No. 1
Despite Brunson's incredible postseason, Willis Reed remains the greatest Knick of all time.
Reed was the centerpiece of the franchise's golden era, leading New York to its first two NBA championships in 1970 and 1973. He won Finals MVP in both title runs, earned the 1970 NBA MVP award, made seven All-Star appearances, received five All-NBA selections, and was named to the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team.
During his career with the Knicks, Reed averaged 18.7 points and 12.9 rebounds per game while establishing himself as one of the toughest players of his generation.
His famous Game 7 appearance in the 1970 NBA Finals after battling through injury remains one of the most iconic moments in sports history.
Reed was not only a great player; he represented the toughness and identity of New York basketball.
Why Patrick Ewing Is No. 2
Patrick Ewing ranks second because of his incredible longevity and impact on the organization.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 1985 NBA Draft became the face of the Knicks for 15 seasons, leading the franchise through one of its most successful eras.
Ewing averaged 22.8 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game during his time in New York while earning 11 All-Star selections, seven All-NBA honors, and three All-Defensive Team selections.
Although he never won a championship, Ewing carried the Knicks to two NBA Finals appearances and kept the franchise among the league's elite throughout the 1990s.
Brunson's Legacy
Brunson has already accomplished something Ewing never could: bringing a championship back to New York.
But one championship does not erase the total body of work built by Reed and Ewing.
Reed's championships and leadership make him No. 1.
Ewing's sustained excellence and impact make him No. 2.
Brunson sits at No. 3, and considering the legends who came before him, that is an incredible achievement.
The most impressive part is that Brunson's story in New York is still being written.
If he never wins another championship, his place among Knicks legends is secure. But if he continues leading the franchise at this level, the conversation could eventually become even more difficult.
For now, the ranking is clear:
1. Willis Reed
2. Patrick Ewing
3. Jalen Brunson
Brunson has already created one of the greatest moments in Knicks history. Now, he will have the rest of his career to continue building his legacy.
