Since joining the New York Knicks in 2022, Jalen Brunson has become central to the team’s resurgence as serious contenders, helping them reach the Conference Finals for the first time in twenty years. Despite his significant impact, recognition in today’s NBA MVP race remains challenging given the depth of talent across the league.
Intense Competition in the MVP Race
Brunson faces stiff competition from established stars including reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic of the Lakers, and the promising Cade Cunningham from Detroit. The arrival of rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama adds further strength to this elite field, making the MVP conversation more crowded than ever.
Kendrick Perkins Champions Brunson for MVP Consideration
Kendrick Perkins, former NBA player and current analyst, has voiced strong support for Brunson’s inclusion in the top-five MVP discussion. Speaking ahead of the Knicks’ highly anticipated game against the Philadelphia 76ers on ESPN, Perkins highlighted Brunson’s consistent performances in Philadelphia.
“Brunson always put on a show in Philly. One thing I don’t want us to take for granted, this guy should be Top 5 in the MVP conversation,”
Kendrick Perkins stated.
When asked by co-analyst Brian Windhorst about who Brunson might displace from the MVP rankings, Perkins did not specify, noting instead,
“I want to give him his just due,”
underscoring his respect for Brunson’s impact during the season.
Brunson’s Statistical Impact and Team Success
Perkins’ praise is supported by Brunson’s impressive averages this season, including 27.4 points, 6.1 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game over roughly 46 contests. With the Knicks currently holding the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference, they have demonstrated their ability to defeat some of the NBA’s toughest teams like the Spurs, Celtics, and 76ers.
The team’s trajectory under head coach Mike Brown raises expectations beyond last year’s Eastern Conference Finals exit, positioning Brunson as the cornerstone of a franchise now viewed as a legitimate threat.
Brunson’s Role in Shifting Knicks’ Narrative
Although Brunson faces obstacles in breaking fully into the top tier of MVP candidates, much of his case rests on how he has changed the Knicks’ perception—from a hopeful team to one with serious title aspirations. This shift brings a new level of pressure, which Brunson has managed with the poise expected of an established franchise leader.
What Lies Ahead for Brunson and the Knicks
MVP honors typically favor players on teams with a sense of inevitability, a status New York has yet to reach. However, the franchise is closer to that stage than it has been in decades. Should the Knicks advance deep into the playoffs, and if Brunson continues to perform in critical moments at Madison Square Garden, the conversation will likely evolve from questioning his presence in the MVP race to debating his placement among the top candidates.
Regardless of eventual awards, Brunson’s contribution to the Knicks already establishes his immense value to the team and its fans.
"Brunson always puts on a show in Philly. … This guy should be top five in the MVP conversation."@KendrickPerkins is getting us HYPED to see Jalen Brunson play during Knicks-76ers 🔥👀
Watch NOW on ESPN and the ESPN App 🍿 pic.twitter.com/2yGI2HcPkD
— ESPN (@espn) February 12, 2026
