Former NBA player Lou Williams makes bold prediction about who could become the best Knicks player ever

The New York Knicks are having an impressive postseason. Head coach Tom Thibodeau built a competitive roster with depth and grit. As a result, the team reached the conference semifinals in each of the last two seasons. Now, they are close to making the NBA Finals for the first time in 26 years. Because of this strong campaign, Lou Williams made a bold prediction. He believes a current player on the 2024–25 roster could become the best in franchise history.

“He’s (Jalen Brunson) already in that conversation…With Willis Reed, with Clyde Frazier, with Patrick Ewing. The impact that he’s had in these three short years is just as impactful as everybody else. And if he gets this team to a championship, y’all can close the curtain on it. He’s gonna be the new Willis Reed, without the ankle injury,” stated Lou Williams on Run It Back.

Despite not having such wide media recognition, Jalen Brunson has managed to make a real impact on the New York Knicks. Since joining the franchise, he has averaged 24 points or more per season. He ranks among the league’s top performers. Brunson has also shown remarkable development as a player. As a result, he now serves as the cornerstone of Tom Thibodeau’s project.

However, many Knicks fans do not agree with Lou Williams’ opinion. Jalen has built a strong career with the team. Still, Walt ‘Clyde’ Frazier stands as the franchise’s ultimate icon. He led the the franchise to two NBA championships. He also earned six All-Star selections. Because of this, he set a lasting standard for greatness in New York.’

Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks leads the offense in the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Madison Square Garden on December 07, 2024 in New York City.

If Brunson leads the Knicks to the 2025 championship, fans may see him in a different light. That success could spark new debate about his legacy. Of course, opinions always vary, and fans value different qualities. Even so, a championship would secure his place in franchise history. That remains one of the hardest things to achieve in the league.

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Jalen Brunson is driving the New York Knicks’ playoff run with elite performances

Jalen Brunson continues to prove he is the heart of the Knicks’ playoff run. Many NBA analysts argue the team would not be in the conference finals without him. He stepped up in key moments against both the Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics. In close games, especially in the series against Joe Mazzulla’s Celtics, Brunson consistently delivered when it mattered most.

In the conference semifinals, he played all six games and made a major impact. Brunson averaged 26.2 points per game. He also added 3.8 rebounds and 7.2 assists. The Knicks’ star now leads Tom Thibodeau’s roster without question. Moreover, he has maintained impressive consistency throughout his three seasons with the franchise.