Is Knicks’ Jalen Brunson a 1st ballot Hall of Famer? Kendrick Perkins makes the case

After watching All-Star Jalen Brunson lead the New York Knicks to a championship, ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins made a first ballot Hall-of-Fame case for the 2026 NBA Finals MVP. Brunson’s 45 points in the Knicks’ Game 5 series-clinching victory is one of the most impressive performances in Finals history. However, does it factor into Jalen’s chances to eventually becoming a first ballot entry into the Hall?

Perkins believes so, he said, in defense of Brunson, per ESPN’s First Take.

“You talk about Jalen Brunson and what he just accomplished, he cemented himself as the greatest Knicks ever,” Perkins said. “Jalen Brunson just cemented himself as a first-ballot Hall of Famer. Jalen Brunson just cemented himself as one of the greatest winners in sports. Jalen Brunson just cemented himself a top 5 player in this league. Jalen Brunson just cemented himself as one of the greatest offensive players that this game has ever seen.”

In addition to Jalen Brunson leading the Knicks to the promised land, Kendrick Perkins also pointed to Brunson’s stepping up in the clutch throughout the 2025-26 campaign.

“When you talk about coming up clutch, put him up there with the all-time greats,” Perkins added. “Averaging over 11 points in the fourth quarter. Averaging over 32 points in the NBA Finals. Magic Johnson didn’t do that. Steph Curry didn’t do that. Isiah Thomas didn’t do that. And I’m talking about point guards. Now, we’re talking about a man that is sitting at the table with Isaiah Thomas and Steph Curry, as far as guards that’s listed under 6’3 leading their team to an NBA championship, and a Finals MVP.”

"Jalen Brunson just cemented himself as a 1st-ballot Hall of Famer… one of the greatest winners in sports… a top 5 player in this league… as one of the greatest offensive players that this game has ever seen."

—Kendrick Perkins

(via @FirstTake)pic.twitter.com/hBv9evbxEE

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 15, 2026

Brunson led the Knicks to a championship in only his fourth season with the team.

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