Jalen Brunson Dismisses ‘King of New York’ Title: “I Will Never Call Myself (That)”

Jalen Brunson responds to fans calling him the King of New York after accomplishing major success last season.

Jalen Brunson Dismisses ‘King of New York’ Title: “I Will Never Call Myself (That)”

Jalen Brunson (Image credits - Bleacher Report)

Jalen Brunson is at the top of the basketball world at the moment. He was named as the Eastern Conference Finals and Finals MVP as he led the New York Knicks to their first championship in 53 years.

The 30-year-old was at the heart of Knicks’ historic championship run. After trailing 2-1 to the Atlanta Hawks in the first round, they went on a 13-match winning streak as they clean swept the Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals and Finals respectively.

The Knicks fans are often viewed as the loudest and most passionate fanbase in the NBA. After Brunson’s heroics in the playoffs last season, it did not take long for the fans to start crowning him as the “King” of their city.

However, when asked about his standing in the city, Brunson denied his royal status.

I’ve never called myself the King of New York. For me to call myself that, I feel like that’s obviously it’s ‘eh’ and to say things like that. Like just imagine I get on this call with you, right? I’m like, ‘Yo, you know, King of New York’s here.’ You guys are going to look like, ‘This dude is so self-centered.’

Jalen Brunson on The Road Trippin’ podcast

Brunson gave Knicks fans several memorable moments as he led the team to pull off some historic comebacks during their championship run. He had his fair share of critics over the past year, but his performances turned them into believers.

There is no doubt that Brunson is a huge fan-favorite in the city of New York. He has united the city like never seen before when millions gathered on the streets during their championship parade.

However, Brunson is in no mood to call himself the “King of New York” and prefers to stay humble even after everything he has achieved.

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What is Jalen Brunson’s mindset heading into next season?

There has been a lot of talk about the Knicks’ chances of repeating next year. They have retained their core players in Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart.

Therefore, without undergoing major changes to their roster, many see them going all the way once again next season.

Jalen Brunson
Jalen Brunson (Image credits – NBA)

During the podcast, Brunson spoke about the Knicks’ mentality heading into next season as defending champions.

We don’t want to speak of the trophy, we don’t want to talk about the trophy, we don’t want to see the trophy, right? We want to come in with the same mindset if not even tougher mindset we had last year.

Jalen Brunson on The Road Trippin’ podcast

The Knicks will be looking to become the first team to defend their title since the Golden State Warriors in 2018. The expectations and hype surrounding the Knicks is higher than it has ever been before.

As such, Brunson and his teammates will enter the 2026-27 campaign expecting a difficult battle to overcome.

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Jalen Brunson speaks on the Philadelphia 76ers loading up in the offseason

The 76ers are seen as the biggest challengers to the Knicks for the upcoming season. They have made some big changes to their roster, and are coming off a dream summer.

They got their summer underway by trading for Jaylen Brown in a trade that many did not see coming. They had another big surprise coming when they announced that LeBron James would join them as a free agent.

Former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins asked Brunson if he saw the 76ers loading up as a “motivation” ahead of the new season. Brunson said:

[Motivation] wouldn’t be the first word I use. I just think when you see things, you see teams loading up, you see the schedule getting released, getting close to the season, it’s all good to be on break, but then, you get that hunger back. I’m ready for another challenge, and that’s definitely gonna be a challenge.

Jalen Brunson on The Road Trippin’ podcast

The Knicks will be taking on the 76ers on Opening night of the 2026-27 campaign. While Brunson was unfazed by the matchup, the game could serve as a small preview for what is to come in the postseason.

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