Jalen Brunson celebrating the Knicks championship
Jalen Brunson celebrating the Knicks championship
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson has quickly risen to becoming one of the best overall players in the NBA, and is undoubtedly a top player at his position. Fresh off of the most successful season of his career that saw him finish with several accolades, including an NBA championship, it is time to wonder if he can take it even further and make a push for league MVP.
Is a league MVP next for Jalen Brunson?
Last season, Brunson won pretty much every other major award possible. He won the MVP of the NBA Cup, Eastern Conference Finals, and NBA Finals, cementing himself as a franchise icon and perhaps the best player to ever don the orange and blue.
The only thing that is missing for him is a league MVP award. He finished fifth in voting for the league’s most prestigious regular season award back in 2024, though he has not been able to be back up there since.
Jalen Brunson speaks at a Knicks championship celebration
Jalen Brunson speaks at the Knicks’ championship celebration in New York. Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
He has averaged exactly 26.0 points per game each of the last two seasons, a slight down trend from his 28.7 points per game in 2024. However, his assist numbers have slightly trended upwards across his years as a Knick, having averaged 6.8 last season and 7.3 the year prior.
Those numbers also include great shooting efficiency, shooting 47% from the field and 37% from three last season. The numbers tell the story. Brunson is one of the most consistent and formidable players the league has to offer, which is incredibly unique for a player of his size.
Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has won each of the last two MVP awards, and with players like Victor Wembanyama quickly bursting onto the scene, and Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo still in their dominant prime, it’s going to be a massive challenge for Brunson to topple them.
Voting also tends to favor taller players, as taller guys usually can make a high-level impact on both ends of the floor. In fact, only six players listed at 6’3” and under have won the NBA MVP award, with the last being Russell Westbrook in 2017. Brunson is currently listed at 6’2”.
Jalen Brunson celebrating during the Knicks championship parade
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson celebrates with the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy. Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
Therefore, Brunson would have to elevate his game to even greater heights to earn that prestigious prize. However, Brunson doesn’t need a league MVP to cement his case for the Hall of Fame. He has already achieved plenty in college with a National Player of the Year and two championships, and now has won an NBA title along with the Finals MVP.
A league MVP would the cherry on top to an already great career, but it is not something that he would need to define his legacy at this point.