Gilbert Arenas Dismissing Jalen Brunson’s Superstar Status Over Sneakers Irks Fans – “By His Logic Tim Duncan Wasn’t a Superstar”

Gilbert Arenas had a interesting take when asked if he thinks Knicks star Jalen Brunson is a true superstar.

Gilbert Arenas Dismissing Jalen Brunson’s Superstar Status Over Sneakers Irks Fans – “By His Logic Tim Duncan Wasn’t a Superstar”

Gilbert Arenas on Jalen Brunson (Image credits - Firstsportz)

Jalen Brunson is coming off a historic 2025-26 campaign for the New York Knicks. He led the storied franchise to their first NBA championship in 53 years and their third championship overall.

It was a momentous occasion for the city of New York, which has been deprived of playoff success for a very long time. It was an iconic run for the club as they went on a 13-match winning streak during the playoffs.

During this run, they eliminated the Atlanta Hawks in the first round in six games after going down 2-1. They recorded clean sweeps over the Philadelphia 76ers and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals and Finals, respectively. Brunson was at the center of it all.

Former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas was not sold on the idea that Brunson is a superstar during an appearance at Fanatics Fest this past weekend.

No, but he could be. You got the Jalen Brunson shoes? Did you go get the new Jalen Brunson shoes?

Gilbert Arenas on Gil’s Arena Show

Gilbert Arenas is well known for his bold and wild takes. While Arenas does make a valid point as Brunson does not have the same level of pull and fandom as LeBron James or Stephen Curry, it is unfair to not call him a superstar after the season he just had. He was offered a signature shoe by Nike, but he turned it down. He asked for an unlimited supply of Kobes for the rest of his career, as he shares a special connection with the late Kobe Bryant.

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Fans react to Gilbert Arenas’ shocking take on Jalen Brunson’s superstar status

Brunson’s fan following is off the charts in New York at the moment. He has become a fan-favorite ever since he signed for the Knicks in 2022. His performances in the previous campaign have turned him into one of the biggest names in the NBA today.

Following Arenas’ shocking take on Brunson’s superstar status, fans were left puzzled across social media.

Fans called out Arenas for his poor take. Based on his logic, the likes of Tim Duncan and Nikola Jokic cannot be labeled as superstars as well.

Is Jalen Brunson a superstar?

While Arenas does not see Jalen Brunson as a superstar, the NBA world and, most importantly, the city of New York do. Many have credited him for uniting the city like never seen before. The merchandise sales broke records after they lifted the championship.

Jalen Brunson is expected to attend WWE SNME at MSG
Jalen Brunson [via- Bleacher Report]

Brunson was not just the best player for the Knicks but also their leader. He averaged 28.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 6.4 assists in 19 games throughout the playoffs. His performances saw him win the Eastern Conference Finals and Finals MVP awards.

The Knicks guard has often faced criticism in the past due to his relatively small stature. Many critics believed that his size is a liability and he would not be able to lead the Knicks to a title. Brunson and his teammates have not shied away from calling them out. After a memorable 2025-26 campaign, some have even gone on to claim that the 29-year-old is the best player in the league today.

Arenas’ comments caught the panel by surprise and saw jeers from the crowd. Whether or not people consider Brunson a true superstar or not, he’s a superstar in the eyes of Knicks fans

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