Mike Lupica: Jalen Brunson is whoever the Knicks need him to be

Mike Lupica’s column casts Jalen Brunson as the pivotal figure the Knicks need, drawing parallels to Messier’s impact with the Rangers and Reggie Jackson’s influence with the A’s and Yankees. The piece argues Brunson’s rise from Villanova to a franchise-changing star places him among the sport’s most important players, rivaling top names in contemporary debates about value and titles. Lupica highlights organizational moves—such as Leon Rose’s leadership and Tom Thibodeau’s coaching—that helped maximize Brunson’s impact, framing his ascent as a catalyst for New York’s championship aspirations.