Walt Frazier thinks Jalen Brunson has a chance to be one of the greatest Knicks ever.

Walt Frazier, a legendary player in the New York Knicks club, thinks Jalen Brunson could be the next. Frazier, who won two titles with the Knicks and made seven All-Star teams, praised Brunson at Fanatics Fest in NYC.

Frazier said expectations are always high. “So to rise to that occasion in his first two years and accept that challenge, catapulting the team, he’s definitely got a chance to be one of the greatest Knicks ever, if not the greatest Knick ever.”

“I did a video — I wasn’t able to be at the induction when he was inducted as the captain, but I told him, he reminds me a lot of Willis Reed,” he said.

“Both lefties, they work hard, share, care, and prioritize the team. They prioritize teamwork before self.” Brunson has had a big impact in two seasons with the Knicks. Both seasons, he guided the squad to the playoffs and impressed.

Brunson averaged 28.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.2 blocks in 2023-24. The 27-year-old was chosen an All-Star for his performances and ended fifth in voting for MVP.

Brunson then averaged 32.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, 7.5 assists, and 0.8 steals per game in the playoffs and almost carried the Knicks to the Eastern Conference Finals. Injuries were what proved to be their demise in the Conference Semifinals against the Indiana Pacers, as they lost in seven games.

Provided the Knicks are somewhat healthy next season, I would back Brunson to guide them to the ECF, and that itself would be an extraordinary achievement.

The franchise last made it that far all the way back in 2000 and if he does get them there, I would say he would have a fair case to be considered as one of their finest players ever.

It’s crazy to go back to the 2022 offseason now when the Knicks had signed Brunson to a four-year, $104 million deal. It was perceived as an overpay but it has turned out to be the best decision that the franchise made in a very long time.

Brunson endeared himself to Knicks fans even more, when he signed a four-year, $156.5 million extension this offseason. Had he waited a year, he could have signed a five-year, 269.1 million agreement, so it was a lot of money that he left on the table. As for why he did it, Brunson detailed the logic behind his $113 million pay cut.

“It made the most sense. You always want to make sure you’re set up for riches for your family, but it was really straightforward. I want to be here.

I want to illustrate that actions speak louder than just talking about issues. I want this team to be together for a long time. I want to win here. That’s it.”

Brunson has been saying all the right things since he came and is a firm fan favorite now. This transaction also helps the Knicks keep this group together and it will be interesting to see just how far they can go. I don’t think they have enough to win the title, but if they a bit lucky, they might just get over the line.