Frazier names Brunson Knicks’ next superstar as franchise targets first title in 53 years

Former New York Knicks legend Walt Frazier has formally designated Jalen Brunson as the franchise’s current superstar, marking a significant transition in leadership as the team prepares for the 2026 NBA Finals. The declaration comes as the Knicks secure their first appearance in the championship series since 1999, ending a 27-year drought with a decisive 130-93 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers to complete a four-game sweep of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Brunson was unanimously awarded the Eastern Conference Finals MVP, an honour he shares with former Knicks star Patrick Ewing, who also recognised Brunson’s pivotal role. According to reporting from The Sporting News, Brunson is widely viewed within the organisation as the “head of the snake” and the locker room leader driving the team’s recent success. His consistent performance has been the catalyst for an 11-game winning streak that has carried New York through the postseason.

Frazier, known as “Clyde,” emphasised the weight of the responsibility now placed on Brunson’s shoulders. “It’s been a long time. Carrying on the tradition, passing it down to Jalen. He’s the guy now who has to carry it. You’ve got to capitalize when you get there, so we’re gonna stay on him,” Frazier said following the series clincher. The endorsement from past superstars underscores a unified belief in Brunson’s ability to lead the franchise to its first NBA title since 1973.

The Knicks’ path to the Finals required resilience, particularly after falling behind 2-1 to the Atlanta Hawks in the first round. Since that setback, the team has not looked back, utilising a roster overhaul that included trading five first-round picks for Mikal Bridges to maximise Brunson’s strengths. Brunson joins an elite group of players 6-foot-2 or under, alongside Isiah Thomas and Stephen Curry, to serve as the undisputed headliner for a championship-contending team.

With the NBA Cup already secured earlier in the 2025-26 season, the Knicks are now four wins away from completing a historic double. The Finals are scheduled to commence on June 3, presenting Brunson and the organisation with their first opportunity in 53 years to claim the ultimate prize. The front office’s strategic investments and the team’s sacrifices, credited to figures such as Kenny Atkinson and Josh Hart, have positioned New York as a serious contender for the championship.