Former New York Knicks player Mark Jackson completely disagrees with Charles Oakley’s belief that Jalen Brunson is the best player since Walt Frazier to ever suit up for the franchise. According to Jackson, this is disrespectful to NBA legend Patrick Ewing, who played 15 seasons in NY.
"We love Oak… but Oak made Jalen Brunson greatest New York Knicks basketball player since Clyde Frazier. Time out. Are you kidding me? I love you, Oak, but what are we doing? Let me introduce you to the greatest, not just since Clyde Frazier, the greatest New York Knicks basketball player of all time,” Mark said as he introduced Ewing as a guest on his podcast entitled 'The Mark Jackson Show.'
“That includes everybody. You include everybody that ever played in the blue and orange, and you put them on the draft board, the number one pick is Patrick Ewing,” Jackson added.
Two different players from two different eras
Jackson is correct in saying that Oakley needs to pause for a bit because while Brunson has been spectacular for the Knicks, he has yet to accomplish anything that puts him above legends like Ewing. Remember, Patrick was an 11-time All-Star, Rookie of the Year award recipient, and someone who led the NYK to the 1994 NBA Finals — where they lost in 7 games to the Houston Rockets .
When Ewing was asked about his former teammate’s surprising take, the big man said he didn’t take offense to it and even praised Brunson for bringing excitement to New York basketball again.
“I love Oak; we had some great years together. I always called him my Hitman because anything physical or dirty, he was going to take care of it. Jalen is a great player, and I’m happy for his success and for the New York Knicks. I’m happy for the success that Tom is having with that team,” Pat said. “I try not to get involved in all that. Who’s better, or who’s this? Is it Clyde [Dexter] or Willis?”
Can Jalen eventually get past Patrick?
For Brunson to eventually become the greatest Knick ever, he must do what Ewing never did: win a championship. Even if that might not be enough to match Pat's achievements, at the very least, a title is the greatest accomplishment a superstar can lead their franchise to. Now more than ever, JB's chances of doing that seem possible.
This is the best opportunity the Knicks have had to win a championship in the last decade. They’re arguably the second-best team in the Eastern Conference behind the Boston Celtics, led by a dynamic combo guard and All-Star in Brunson. Will this finally be the year they make it to the NBA Finals? Only time will tell, but what’s certain is that New York basketball hasn’t been this exciting since Carmelo Anthony’s departure.
Related: "A ball-dominant Jalen Brunson ain't gonna get you to the promised land" - Draymond Green on the Knicks' success in the 2024 playoffs
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