Now, after 6’2″ Brunson was named Eastern Conference Finals MVP, Knicks fans have been reminding Hammon of her earlier comments. They’re understandably taking a victory lap after years of hoping for success. Ironically, Hammon’s remarks highlight how unique Brunson is in the current landscape of basketball.

Let’s think back over the last 40 years. How many NBA champions had their best players under 6’6″? Not many, really:

• Isiah Thomas of the Detroit Pistons in 1989 and 1990, standing at 6’1.”
• Stephen Curry of the Warriors in 2015 and 2022 (and arguably in 2017 and 2018 despite Kevin Durant’s involvement), listed at 6’3.”

Chauncey Billups with the 2004 Pistons could be another argument, but that team was notable for a collective effort rather than a standout star. Billups wasn’t even an All-Star that year, though he did win Finals MVP. The only Piston recognized on All-Star or All-NBA lists was Ben Wallace.

Becky Hammon Was Right, Making Brunson’s Performance Even More Impressive

Brunson has a history of leading teams on big stages, starting back at Stevenson High School in the Chicago suburbs. He helped his Illinois high school team reach three Final Fours and even won a state championship before joining Villanova.

As a true freshman, Brunson started 39 out of 40 games, contributing to the team’s national championship win in 2016, famously capped by Kris Jenkins’ buzzer-beater. He was a crucial, albeit secondary, player on that championship squad alongside fellow Knicks teammate Josh Hart.

The following year, Villanova secured a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, but they fell to Wisconsin in the Sweet 16. That set the stage for Brunson to truly take charge in his junior year.

During that season, he shone as the best player in college basketball, steering Villanova to its second national title in three years. The 2018 Wildcats are regarded as one of the greatest college teams ever, and Brunson’s consistent performances in clutch situations earned him National Player of the Year honors.

Yet, the NBA still had its doubts about whether his game would translate at the professional level. Many thought he would become a solid backup point guard. The Dallas Mavericks picked him 33rd overall in the 2018 draft, but with Luka Doncic joining the team as the third overall pick, Brunson’s role was limited.

In his third year, Brunson emerged as one of the top sixth men in the league and then stepped up as a starter in his fourth season. The Mavericks hesitated to sign him long-term, reportedly turning down an offer of $55 million over four years. After a standout performance in the Western Conference playoffs, including a notable 41-point game against the Jazz, Brunson sealed a $105 million contract with the Knicks.

Back then, many viewed that contract as slightly excessive, but it has become one of the defining trades, positioning the Knicks for their first Finals appearance since 1999.

Brunson Still Hasn’t Disproven Hammon

Hammon’s statement—that if your top players are small, you can’t win—still holds some weight.

The Knicks have indeed won the Eastern Conference, but that doesn’t completely validate Brunson’s stature. Regardless of whether they face the Spurs or the Thunder in the Finals, the Knicks are likely to be the underdogs. Historically, the Western Conference Finals have felt more like the actual NBA Finals. So far in the playoffs, the Knicks have posted an eye-popping +19.8 net rating. After a rough first-round loss to the Hawks, they’ve now won 11 straight games, and not just narrowly; they’ve truly dominated their opponents.

I really think the Knicks have a good shot at winning the NBA Finals—especially considering how both OKC and San Antonio are faring. New York fans are likely hoping for a lengthy, hard-fought series in the West so their team can rest before Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 3.

The Knicks boast four solid starters with All-Star potential, even if Anunoby and Bridges have yet to earn that recognition. Josh Hart stands out as a top role player, and Mike Brown has performed well off the bench, supported by Landry Shamet, Mitchell Robinson, and Miles McBride. Yet, as a wise woman once suggested, you still need that standout player to win it all.

Brunson continues to demonstrate why he is that player.