Kendrick Perkins Says Knicks Star Jalen Brunso is the Best Player Still in the Playoffs
When ESPN analyst and former NBA big man Kendrick Perkins speaks, people listen — not always because they agree, but because they know he’s going to be bold. And true to form, Perkins ignited a heated NBA debate in mid-May when he declared, “Jalen Brunson is the best player left in the playoffs.”
That proclamation — aired during a nationally televised episode of NBA Today — sent shockwaves through the basketball world. Some saw it as high praise long overdue. Others questioned whether Brunson, despite his red-hot playoff run, deserved to be placed above names like Jayson Tatum, Luka Dončić, Anthony Edwards, and Nikola Jokić (before the Nuggets were eliminated). Yet, if you’ve watched the New York Knicks this postseason, it’s hard to deny that Jalen Brunson belongs in the conversation.
A Bold Statement in a League of Stars
Perkins, never one to mince words, elaborated on his take:
> “Look, Jalen Brunson isn’t just hooping — he’s carrying a franchise. The man is putting up historic numbers, playing nearly every minute, and doing it under New York pressure. That’s different. I’m not saying Tatum and Luka aren’t great — they are — but nobody’s doing what Brunson’s doing right now. He’s the best player left standing.”
Perkins’ statement might sound hyperbolic at first, but a deeper look into Brunson’s postseason performance paints a compelling picture.
Brunson’s Historic Playoff Run
As of mid-May, Jalen Brunson is averaging 33.7 points, 7.5 assists, and 4.7 rebounds in the 2025 NBA playoffs — all while shooting over 47% from the field and 38% from three. In the Knicks’ series against the Philadelphia 76ers, Brunson exploded for four consecutive 40-point games — a feat that placed him in the company of legends like Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
More importantly, he’s doing all this while logging heavy minutes and shouldering an enormous offensive load. With Julius Randle out, OG Anunoby in and out of the lineup, and key role players hobbled, Brunson has had to do more than just score — he’s had to lead, improvise, and keep the Knicks’ offense alive in the clutch.
“He’s unguardable right now,” said Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau. “Every team knows the ball is going to him, and they still can’t stop him.”
Carrying the Knicks Legacy
There’s also something intangible about Brunson’s rise. It’s not just the stats — it’s the sense that he’s redefining what it means to be a New York Knicks star in the modern era.
Madison Square Garden hasn’t seen this kind of sustained playoff brilliance since the days of Patrick Ewing in the ’90s. And even then, Ewing wasn’t dropping 40 on a regular basis in the postseason. Brunson has made the Garden electric again, giving Knicks fans real hope in the spring — something that’s been rare over the past two decades.
“He’s everything we’ve been waiting for,” one longtime fan said after Game 5 against Indiana. “Tough, humble, clutch. Jalen’s not just a star — he’s our star.”
A Star Born from Grit and Development
Brunson wasn’t a lottery pick. He wasn’t even a first-round headliner. Drafted 33rd overall in 2018, Brunson entered the league quietly. He played four years at Villanova — a rarity in today’s NBA — where he won two national championships and developed the fundamentals that now define his game: footwork, patience, IQ, and poise.
When he joined the Knicks in 2022, some critics scoffed at the $104 million contract. Now, it looks like one of the best bargains in recent memory. Brunson has transformed from a solid starter in Dallas into a full-fledged superstar in New York — not with highlight dunks or viral plays, but with surgical skill, unwavering confidence, and relentless work ethic.
“You can’t speed him up,” Perkins said. “That’s what makes him elite. He plays at his own pace, and he controls the game like a ten-year vet. That’s leadership.”
The Competition: Who Else Is in the Conversation?
Naturally, Perkins’ statement invites debate. The other stars still in the playoffs each bring their own case.
Jayson Tatum (Celtics): Leading a deep Boston team with All-NBA pedigree, Tatum is averaging 26 points and 10 rebounds in the playoffs and remains the go-to guy for a title contender. He’s a two-way force and has more postseason experience than Brunson.
Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves): The breakout star of the West, Edwards has been compared to Jordan for his explosive athleticism and fearless demeanor. He led Minnesota to a sweep of the defending champion Nuggets, including outdueling Nikola Jokić in clutch moments.
Luka Dončić (Mavericks): A playoff wizard, Dončić continues to put up video-game numbers and big moments. His chemistry with Kyrie Irving has taken Dallas to the Western Conference Finals, where he’s averaging over 28 points and 9 assists.
Still, what sets Brunson apart is the totality of his impact — particularly considering the circumstances. He’s not on a “super team,” he’s not sharing the scoring load, and he’s doing it in a pressure cooker market with limited margin for error.
Former Players Chime In
After Perkins’ declaration, other former players joined the conversation.
“JB’s been unreal,” said Richard Jefferson. “You can argue others have more raw talent, but nobody is more valuable to their team right now than Brunson.”
Chauncey Billups, a former Finals MVP, echoed similar sentiments: “What I see in Brunson is that ‘it’ factor. He’s smart, composed, and unflappable. He reminds me of myself — but with a better handle and better scoring instincts.”
Brunson’s Humble Response
When asked about Perkins’ comments, Brunson didn’t take the bait.
“I appreciate the compliment,” he said with a slight smile. “But I’m just focused on helping my team win. That’s all that matters right now.”
That response, in many ways, encapsulates Brunson’s identity. He doesn’t seek headlines. He lets his game speak. And right now, that game is screaming.
A Game-Breaker in the Clutch
What’s particularly remarkable about Brunson’s postseason is his performance in clutch situations. In games decided by five points or fewer, Brunson is shooting over 55% from the field in the fourth quarter — a staggering number, especially considering the defensive pressure he faces.
He’s been the closer the Knicks haven’t had since the days of Allan Houston or even earlier. And with each clutch jumper, each tough floater in traffic, he’s erasing decades of New York playoff futility.
“He lives for the big moment,” said teammate Donte DiVincenzo. “And the bigger the moment, the calmer he gets. That’s rare.”
Brunson’s Impact Beyond the Numbers
Brunson’s leadership has also transformed the culture of the Knicks. He holds teammates accountable, leads by example, and brings a professionalism that rubs off on everyone.
“He raises the standard,” said Thibodeau. “He makes everyone better — not just with passes, but with how he carries himself.”
Young players like Miles McBride and Quentin Grimes have praised Brunson for his mentorship. And veterans like Josh Hart and Isaiah Hartenstein credit Brunson for keeping the locker room grounded during tense playoff moments.
What’s Next? The Path to the Finals
With the Knicks currently battling in the Eastern Conference Finals, Brunson’s play continues to be the engine driving the team. If he can lead New York to the NBA Finals — something they haven’t done since 1999 — his status as the postseason’s top performer will be hard to dispute.
And if he somehow brings a championship back to the Garden?
“He becomes a legend,” Perkins said. “Not just the best player left — but one of the best stories the league has seen in years.”
Conclusion: A New Superstar Era?
In an NBA era filled with dazzling talent and social media hype, Jalen Brunson’s rise feels refreshingly old-school. He doesn’t have a signature sneaker. He’s not launching rap albums or reality shows. What he does have is a deep, calculated game and the mental toughness to lead under pressure.
Kendrick Perkins may have started a firestorm with his claim, but there’s growing evidence to support it: Jalen Brunson is not just playing like a star — he’s playing like the best.
The Knicks, their fans, and even their doubters are witnessing something special. And as long as Brunson is on the floor, they’ve got a chance — not just to win games, but to chase history.
Because right now, in the brightest lights and the highest stakes, Jalen Brunson is proving that he just might be the best player left in the playoffs.
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