Is Jalen Brunson the basketball version of Derek Jeter?
Mike Francesa believes the Knicks star has shown Jeterian qualities throughout the 2026 NBA Finals run.
“What [Brunson] is, is what Jeter was,” the longtime sports talk host told The Post’s Adam Schien on his “Schein Time” show on Monday. “Jeter never won an MVP. Jeter never was the dominant player. But he was a player who was always at his best in the big moment.”
Brunson leads the Knicks this postseason by averaging 26.6 points, while also adding 6.3 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game.
While the guard has improved by just 0.6 points per game in the postseason, he seems to get hot at the right moment every game.
In the middle of a 22-point comeback against the Cavaliers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference final, Brunson led the way with 15 straight points.
In a similar rally in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Spurs, Brunson led the way again with 13 points in the fourth quarter.
“Brunson’s ability to score in the fourth quarter is uncanny,” Francesa said. “Brunson has the best footwork of any player I’ve seen in the NBA, with the notable exception of Hakeem Olajuwon.”
The Knicks guard also showcases Jeter’s leadership, Francesa added.
Brunson left $113 million on the table when he signed a four-year, $156.5 million extension with the Knicks in July 2024 instead of a potential five-year, $269 million max contract the following year.
That contract decision allowed standout Knicks such as Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby to join or re-sign with the team.
Brunson said during these playoffs he’s “not a star” after reporters questioned him on having less of the ball during the second-round 76ers series.
“He is the leader. He sets the right tone,” Francesa said. “He doesn’t put the cart before the horse. He takes it one game at a time, and he sets the perfect tone.”
