Jalen Brunson rises to NBA stardom following Knicks championship

Following the New York Knicks' NBA Championship win, which ended a 53-year drought, Jalen Brunson has emerged as a central figure in the league. Brunson earned NBA Cup MVP, Eastern Conference Finals MVP, and Finals MVP honors during the postseason, averaging 32.6 points in the five-game Finals series.

Analyst Max Kellerman has argued that Brunson is currently a bigger star and a larger draw than players such as Kevin Durant, Nikola Jokic, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Kellerman cited the Knicks' high volume of national television games—tied for the league lead with 34—as evidence of Brunson's rising commercial and star power.

Off the court, Brunson highlighted actress Mariska Hargitay as his favorite celebrity Knicks fan. Brunson expressed gratitude for their long-standing relationship, noting her support during the team's championship run and his attendance at her Broadway debut.