The New York Knicks’ fan base dubbed Jalen Brunson the “King of New York” after the three-time All-Star led the franchise to its first NBA championship in 53 years.
However, the veteran guard himself is not interested in the nickname and has respectfully declined it. Brunson’s refusal to accept the moniker garnered a mix of appreciation and backlash from the NBA community.
Jalen Brunson’s Humble Stance on ‘King of New York’ Title Sparks Mixed Reactions
Brunson was at the forefront of the Knicks’ championship push last season. He led the team in scoring (26.0 points per game) and assists (6.8 per game) during the regular season. He then reached another level in the playoffs, averaging 28.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 6.1 assists across 19 outings.
His 45-point outburst in a closely contested 94-90 Game 5 NBA Finals win over the San Antonio Spurs sealed the title for the Knicks and earned Brunson his first Finals MVP award.
That feat is exactly why fans expected Brunson to embrace his popular nickname. But the newly crowned NBA champion is reluctant to do so. Appearing on the “Road Trippin’” podcast, Brunson explained why he refuses to call himself the “King of New York.”
“I will never call myself the King of New York,” Brunson said. “… Imagine I get on this call with you, right? I’m like, ‘Yo, King of New York’s here.’ You guys are going to look like, ‘What the [expletive], this dude is so self-centered.'”
Keep the crown. 👑🚫
The city might be calling Jalen Brunson the “King of New York,” but JB made it clear he ain’t buying into his own hype. Big credit to the tight inner circle and his parents for keeping him grounded while MSG goes crazy.@jalenbrunson1 @RealAClifton… pic.twitter.com/GpGpeqbNhl
— Road Trippin’ Show (@RoadTrippinShow) September 2, 2026
Brunson’s answer landed differently depending on who was reacting to his comment.
One Brunson fan praised his humility, writing, “King of humility, crowned by New Yorkers who hate kings.”
king of humility, crowned by new yorkers who hate kings
— DuckDice (@duckdiceio) September 1, 2026
Another declared Brunson the “Humble king.”
Humble king pic.twitter.com/PCxDI0OQSl
— Big Se𝕏y Daniel (@BigSexyDaniel) September 1, 2026
A third X user framed it as Brunson’s attempt at modesty, reasoning, “The I’m humble gimmick is cool lol, I would’ve been telling a lot of people go [expletive] yourself.”
Not everyone bought Brunson’s reason for not endorsing the nickname, though. One critic accused Brunson of dodging it because of his connection with Philadelphia, writing, “Just say you rock with Philly lol.”
Yeah okay man lmao. Just say you rock with Philly lol.
— Icy Trea🥶 (@Icy7Trea) September 1, 2026
Another Brunson critic took an even harsher tone, suggesting Brunson’s reluctance was really about a lack of reverence beyond New York: “At least he knows no one respects him outside of New York.”
At least he knows no one respects him outside of New York
— Tony G 🇮🇹 (@TGTatum4_3) September 1, 2026
One of Brunson’s detractors mocked the very idea of the nickname, taking a swipe at LeBron James in the process for embracing similar branding.
“Yeah, what kind of [expletive] would call himself ‘King’ … corny [expletive] LeBron,” the X user taunted.
Regardless of how fans view Brunson’s refusal to accept the crown, his impact on New York is undeniable. His role in leading the Knicks to their first championship in over five decades cemented his place in franchise history.
Brunson enters the 2026-27 season with much of New York’s championship roster still intact. Jordan Clarkson, Jose Alvarado, Landry Shamet, and Mohamed Diawara all re-signed with the team.
The Knicks also added veteran center Andre Drummond on a one-year, $3.9 million deal to bolster their frontcourt depth. The one notable departure is Mitchell Robinson, who joined the Boston Celtics in free agency.
Brunson and Co. will kickstart their title defense against James and the Philadelphia 76ers on Oct. 20.
