During a candid encounter with young fans at a New York park two years ago, Jalen Brunson addressed questions about the NBA‘s toughest players to guard and his views on the ongoing debate between LeBron James and Michael Jordan. Discussing his experiences, Brunson provided insights into why Kyrie Irving stands out as one of the most challenging opponents, while deliberately avoiding a firm stance in the Jordan versus LeBron conversation.
Brunson Identifies Kyrie Irving as the Toughest Defender He Faces
When asked about the hardest player to defend in the NBA, Brunson was careful not to name too many current players but ruled out Stephen Curry as the toughest. He explained that Curry’s shooting ability is so consistent that guarding him does not feel as daunting. However, Brunson acknowledged that Kyrie Irving’s playing style is on another level.
“I can’t say either because they’re still in the NBA… It’s not Steph Curry.”
“Steph’s gonna make his shots regardless of whether you’re in front of him or not. Kyrie is going to make you look foolish regardless.”
—Jalen Brunson, NBA Player
Brunson’s hesitation to name names beyond Irving suggested the respect he holds for these players and underscored Irving’s ability to exploit defenders through his exceptional ball-handling skills. His brief silence before mentioning Kyrie spoke volumes about how impactful and frustrating it is to guard him.
Jalen Brunson Avoids Choosing Between LeBron James and Michael Jordan
The conversation naturally shifted to the highly debated topic of who holds the title as the greatest player of all time—Michael Jordan or LeBron James. Brunson took a cautious, diplomatic approach to this question, pointing out his current competition with LeBron as a reason to withhold judgment.
“Personally, just because I’m competing against LeBron, I can’t say LeBron right now. I’ll wait until he retires.”
—Jalen Brunson, NBA Player
By refraining from taking sides openly, Brunson likely aimed to maintain focus and avoid creating any unnecessary tension before facing LeBron on the court. His answer revealed a mature awareness of the competitive dynamics at play and the potential impact of publicly endorsing one player over the other during their active careers.
Brunson’s Humble Wish for a Signature Shoe Reflects His Admiration for Kobe Bryant
When asked if he aspired to have a signature sneaker, Brunson showed humility and a deep appreciation for basketball legends, particularly Kobe Bryant. Instead of focusing on his own brand, he expressed a desire to be connected to Kobe through something more meaningful.
“Of course, who wouldn’t? But honestly, I would rather have an unlimited supply of Kobe’s versus my own shoe.”
—Jalen Brunson, NBA Player
Brunson’s admiration for Bryant runs deep, as his mother once played college basketball alongside Kobe’s sister. He cherishes a treasured gift of sneakers given to him by Kobe himself, highlighting the lasting influence Bryant has had on his career and life.
Steve Nash Inspires Brunson as a Model of Success for Players of Modest Size
Regarding his favorite player of all time, Brunson chose Steve Nash, who won two NBA MVP awards despite not fitting the typical NBA athlete mold in terms of size and speed. This choice reflects Brunson’s own status as a 6’2” point guard, slightly undersized by NBA standards but impactful nonetheless.
“It’s Steve Nash. I watched Steve and how he played because he’s ‘undersized’ and not the most athletic, not fast. And the dude won two MVPs.”
—Jalen Brunson, NBA Player
Brunson’s connection to Nash’s playing style demonstrates how he values skill development, leadership, and basketball IQ over raw athleticism, making Nash a relatable and inspiring figure for him.
Fan Reactions Highlight a Mix of Respect and Playful Criticism
After this video resurfaced, NBA fans shared varied reactions online. While many appreciated Brunson’s thoughtful and humble answers, some expressed playful disdain, likely fueled by their feelings about the New York Knicks and his role in the team. Comments ranged from admiration of his media savvy to blunt critiques.
“He’s cool, but I still don’t f*** with him.”
“I just passed out from the aura for 12 minutes.”
“Basically, Bron the GOAT, but he’s a competitor, and I respect that.”
“Love the humble players out in the community, helping fuel our dreams.”
“These diplomatic answers. JB definitely was media trained.”
“His media training is excellent.”
Looking Ahead: The LeBron vs. Jordan Debate Remains Open
With LeBron James possibly entering the final stretch of his illustrious career, many are eager to hear Brunson’s definitive take on the Jordan versus LeBron discussion. For now, Brunson’s reluctance keeps the mystery alive, leaving fans to anticipate if he will eventually voice a clear opinion as his career continues alongside the evolving legacies of these two giants.