Max Kellerman Argues Jalen Brunson is Superior to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

In 2026, Jalen Brunson has emerged as a leading figure in the NBA after guiding the New York Knicks to an NBA championship, earning the title of Finals MVP. Max Kellerman has expressed his belief that Brunson surpasses Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in terms of value.

While Gilgeous-Alexander previously held a strong position in the league, having won two consecutive regular season MVPs, Kellerman highlights their playoff encounters as a key differentiator. In the 2025-26 NBA Playoffs, Brunson's Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs in five games, whereas Gilgeous-Alexander's team lost in the Western Conference Finals.

Kellerman argues that despite both players facing similar challenges from the Spurs' defense, Brunson's ability to adapt and make necessary adjustments demonstrates his superior basketball intelligence. This perspective may not be widely accepted, as Gilgeous-Alexander has consistently performed at a high level during the regular season.