The New York Knicks have been successful in the 2025-26 NBA season thanks to the strong play from All-Star guard Jalen Brunson. The former Villanova guard has played like an MVP candidate, leading the Knicks to a 23-12 record. Through 32 games, the two-time All-Star has averaged 29.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 6.5 assists.
The Knicks believe in Brunson to lead them deep in the playoffs. Hopefully, the star guard can be the reason for New York to be a potential threat in the East. However, not everyone believes that the 6-foot-2 guard can lead the team to a title. Former four-time All-Star DeMarcus Cousins revealed that he doesn’t trust the point guard to have what it takes to win it.
Cousins talked about it on Monday’s episode of FanDuel TV’s “Run It Back.”
“I think Brunson’s a hell of a talent, I just think it’s really, really hard for an undersized, shot-first type of guard to win it,” Cousins said.
Although Jalen Brunson has proven that he can lead a team deep into the playoffs, there are still some who doubt what he can do. Cousins isn’t the first to express uncertainty with the Knicks star, though.
WNBA coach Becky Hammon said the Knicks can’t win with Jalen Brunson
Jalen Brunson is no stranger to being criticized for his size. The last person to do that was Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon. According to the WNBA coach, the Knicks wouldn’t be able to win due to Brunson’s size.
“If your best player is small, you’re not winning,” Hammon said. “John Stockton, Allen Iverson, Steve Nash, you could go down the list. Steph Curry … he’s the greatest shooter to ever walk the planet.”
The coach caught flak from fans. However, she stayed true to what she said and further explained it.
“I stand by my statement that I can’t put him in a LeBron (James), Steph, (Joel) Embiid, type of 1A tier player, and that if your best player is the smallest player on the court, you (probably) won’t win a CHAMPIONSHIP,” Hammon wrote. “This game favors the tall -wish it didn’t .. BUT it does.”
Hammon ended her take by confirming that she’s a fan of Brunson.
