Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon continues to face criticism over her Jalen Brunson comments but remains firm in her stance despite ongoing calls for an apology.

Hammon appeared on ESPN's NBA Today in December of 2023 and stated that the New York Knicks didn't have a "1A" star and was met with criticism from ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins. However, Brunson and the Knicks captured their first NBA championship in 53 years. 

When asked about her previous comments, Hammon refused to apologize but provided Brunson with respect. 

"Jalen, all he did was prove history wrong," she said Tuesday, per the New York Post's Madeline Kenney via X. "He proves he's an outlier, so you can put his name next to Steph Curry and Isiah Thomas, and I thought he played brilliantly, especially down the stretch," she added.

Hammon's original comments centered around Brunson not being in the top tier of talent and not being able to lead a team to a championship. After her initial comment in 2023, she added to X later on that year explaining her stance/comment.

"For the record... I love Jalen Brunson's game!! He used to give us/Spurs WORK when he played with Dallas," Hammon tweeted.

"I love when undersized players give the league BUCKETS! He's got a great mind and feel for the game!! GREAT MIND. GREAT FEEL. He was passed over in the first round, and then got to the league and showed out. He's not a good NBA player; he's a GREAT NBA player," she added.

While Hammon's comment gained a lot of negative attention, she spoke regarding the results of his Knicks-led team before the championship and acknowledged his greatness.

When asked if she would apologize after the Knicks won the championship, she said no and explained why.

"Hammon con't: "I mean, he was that 1A dude, but like, apologize, I'm never gonna apologize for having an opinion; that's what ESPN pays me for," she said Tuesday, per the New York Post's Madeline Kenney via X

The Aces' head played 16 years in the WNBA and did not win a championship, but she has won three championships as a head coach with Las Vegas.

Las Vegas is 12-4 this season and is second in league standings behind the Minnesota Lynx. The team is 8-2 on the road and is on a two game winning streak.

The Aces will suit up next against the New York Liberty on June 23 at 10:00 p.m. PT at home. 

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