Charles Barkley Makes Bold Statement About Knicks' Jalen Brunson

Jalen Brunson is the unquestioned leader of the New York Knicks as they hold a 2-0 lead over the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

But before his arrival in New York as the Knicks’ eventual franchise player, Brunson had some humble NBA beginnings.

Brunson averaged less than 10 points per game in each of his first two seasons as a second-round draft pick for the Dallas Mavericks. After the conclusion of his rookie contract, the former Villanova guard joined the Knicks on a four-year, $104 million free-agent contract.

Brunson has averaged more than 24 points per game since joining the Knicks, notching three consecutive All-Star appearances. Through the first two games of New York’s playoff series against the 76ers, he’s averaging just over 30 points per contest.

During an appearance with “The Dan Patrick Show” on Friday, Charles Barkley said Brunson is one of the greatest free-agent signings in NBA history.

“Jalen Brunson has probably been one of the all-time great free agent signings,” Barkley said. “I mean, the Knicks were irrelevant since Patrick Ewing left probably 20 years [ago]. I think Jalen Brunson signing with the Knicks is one of the great free-agent signings of all time. He made the Knicks relevant.”

More news:Caitlin Clark Opens Up About Her Connection With LeBron James

Brunson and the Knicks will take the court against the 76ers for a Game 3 matchup in Philadelphia on Friday night. If New York can take a game on the road, they’ll take further control of the series as they look to make the Eastern Conference finals for the second straight year.

More news:Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Explains Flagrant Foul on Austin Reaves

Game 3 will tipoff at 7 p.m. ET.

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published May 8, 2026 at 7:47 PM.