Charles Oakley claims Jalen Brunson is the "best thing" for the Knicks since Walt Frazier: "What he's doing man, hey, it's incredible"

Jalen Brunson has been a godsend for the New York Knicks . Upon arriving in 2022, he dramatically raised the franchise from mediocrity to new heights and competitive status; his play and success made the Knicks a good landing place for the league's free agents.

Last season served as an introduction for JB as he led the Knicks to the second round of the playoffs, and this campaign confirmed that he should be considered a star in the NBA. His career-highs of 28.7 points and 6.7 assists powered New York to 50 wins and another chance to contend for the title as the East's No. 2 team, even without star running mate Julius Randle.

New York has again put itself on the NBA map, which made Charles Oakley boldly drop a hot take recently on SiriusXM NBA Radio, declaring that the 27-year-old is the "best thing" that has happened for the entire Knicks organization since Walt Frazier .

"I'm telling you, Brunson's the best thing since Walt Frazier," Oakley said . "I know somebody gonna say, 'What about Patrick [Ewing] and Carmelo [Anthony]?' OK, they ain't do this. I mean, you know, they got a chance to show. We need more players [but] Brunson's playing without Julius, and what he's doing man, hey, it's incredible. Keep doing it."

Pat and Melo deserve their props

It's a wild argument coming from someone who has been a longtime fan-favorite. But as it is, Oak's remark could be subjected to recency bias as both Ewing and Melo deserve their flowers for being cornerstones who spearheaded the Knicks in their own ways.

Arguably the franchise's greatest, Pat was the heart and soul of the Knicks from the mid-80s to the late 90s. He carried New York on his broad shoulders as they became a championship powerhouse and one of the league's best, appearing in 13 straight postseasons, including two NBA Finals appearances in 1994 and 1999.

Ewing was an 11-time All-Star and a 7-time All-NBA member who averaged 22.8 points, 10.4 boards, and 2.7 blocks in 15 seasons in the Big Apple. In addition, Georgetown's product remains the owner of the majority of the Knicks' all-time records.

While Anthony didn't generate relative success for New York during his time there, his seven-year stint with them shouldn't be discarded. Melo's microwave scoring paved the way for the Knicks to witness relevance again after a dreadful time throughout the 2000s. Behind the future Hall of Famer, the ball club reached three straight playoffs, and an Eastern Conference Semis run in 2013.

A potential championship in NY is the answer

There's no denying that Brunson is a special player due to his impact that flipped the Knicks' fortunes. With what he's been doing on a nightly basis, he is truly on his way now to joining both Pat and Melo in the franchise's pantheon of greats.

However, bringing an NBA championship to the city of New York is the only way that would ultimately put him over Melo and Pat in this discussion opened up by Oakley. As such, this achievement may even convince the majority that he can be considered a GOAT Knick.

The Knickerbockers have been thirsty for a title since 1973, and giving them their third Larry O'Brien trophy in the future would be tremendous in JB's standing in the Knicks' storied history. For now, we can only wait and see if this will be the year that he fulfills the task, as Brunson and his squad are on the verge of advancing to the East Semis for the second straight year.

Related: "That's the key" - Knicks legend Bill Bradley on what makes Jalen Brunson a great player