Jalen Brunson has guided the New York Knicks to a championship, earning him the label of best player in the league from Skip Bayless.
What happened?
On Monday, Bayless stated that Brunson's Finals performance proved he is the best player in the National Basketball Association right now.
Jalen Brunson averaged 26 points, 3.3 rebounds and 6.8 assists, but was not central to the regular-season MVP debate.
Why it matters for Jalen Brunson
The postseason changed everything for Brunson, who went from respected star to championship closer, with Bayless rewarding that rise with the biggest label possible.
Skip Bayless, the veteran sports commentator, made the comment on Gil's Arena, saying "What he proved to me in this series is that he's the best player in the National Basketball Association right here, right now".
What comes next?
The comment is striking because Brunson was not even considered for the regular-season MVP award, with names such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic, Victor Wembanyama, Cade Cunningham and Jaylen Brown carrying louder MVP noise at different points.
Jalen Brunson played five fourth quarters against seven-foot-six Victor Wembanyama, earning him the best player in the league status from Bayless.
The New York Knicks' championship win has finally brought praise to Jalen Brunson, with debates growing over his place among the greatest Knicks and guards of all time.
Bayless concluded by saying "You got to say here, you showed, you earned best player in the league status and you earned better than SGA status".
Jalen Brunson's rise to the top has been recognized by Bayless, who believes he is the best player in the league today.
The comment from Bayless has sparked a debate about Jalen Brunson's place among the NBA elite, with many considering him one of the most underrated stars in the league.