Rick Brunson Faces Blowback For His Best Knicks Player Ever Pick

Rick Brunson, the father of New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson, has been accused of disrespecting his own son this week.

After Jalen Brunson led the Knicks to their first championship since 1973, his father went on "Inside the NBA" and declared that Patrick Ewing remains the greatest player in franchise history.

"No disrespect, I love my son but Patrick Ewing is the greatest Knick I've ever witnessed," Rick Brunson said.

During an interview on "CBS Mornings" this week, Rick Brunson doubled down on that opinion.

"Pat was the hardest working guy we had and he was the best player," he told CBS host Nate Burleson. "Pat did it for 15 years in New York, Jalen did it for 4… Another 7 years you can revisit that question."

Fuel for Jalen Brunson's fire?

While some fans find Rick Brunson's comments to be disrespectful, others believe he's just trying to keep his son motivated.

"I know Rick Brunson is trying to light a fire under Jalen, but this will never ever sit right with me as a father," Damien Peters of Yahoo Sports said. "I don't care how you slice it."

"He said this live on Inside the NBA and he doubles down when asked again," one fan commented. "Bro, if your not hyping your son up for winning a CHIP then what are you even doing there?"

"Kinda awkward but he knows how to keep his son motivated and keep that fire burning," a second fan wrote.

"He's trying to push Jalen to do more! But the timing of this is crazy," another Knicks fan said.

Brunson was truly outstanding during the NBA Finals, averaging 32.6 points per game against the San Antonio Spurs.

If Brunson manages to capture another title with the Knicks, he should be considered the greatest player in franchise history.

Copyright The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved

This story was originally published June 18, 2026 at 6:37 AM.