Jalen Brunson climbs Eastern Conference player rankings for 2025-26 season

The New York Knicks are in contention for a serious NBA Finals run in the 2025-26 campaign after making the Eastern Conference finals last season for the first time since 2000. 

After a heartbreaking playoff loss to the Indiana Pacers, the Knicks have bolstered their second unit this offseason and will now look to make a deep run in a wide-open Eastern Conference. With Mike Brown stepping in as the team's new head coach and Jalen Brunson leading the way on a stacked roster, New York is certainly in the running to win its first NBA championship since 1973. 

Brunson is coming off an All-NBA Second Team nod in 2024-25, during which he won the Clutch Player of the Year award and averaged 26.0 points, 7.3 assists, 2.9 rebounds and 0.9 steals per game across 65 regular-season appearances. As a result, Shaun Powell of NBA.com ranked him as the Eastern Conference's second-best player. 

“Back-to-back appointments to the All-NBA team certify him as one of the league's best point guards,” he wrote. "He also earned some 2025 MVP votes and is the reigning Clutch Player of the Year. What more evidence does he need? 

MORE: Knicks face $156 million decision as extension looms for Mikal Bridges

It's no surprise to see Brunson climb near the top of the East's rankings behind Giannis Antetokounmpo. Jayson Tatum is expected to miss most, if not all, of next season due to a torn Achilles, and Joel Embiid's injuries have severely limited his time on the court.

Brunson's irreplaceable impact also carried into the playoffs last season, where he averaged 29.4 points, 7.0 assists and 3.4 rebounds in 37.9 minutes per game over 18 outings. 

He'll look to leave the same impact in 2025-26, as the Knicks have a real chance at a title this season.

MORE NBA NEWS:

• Giannis Antetokounmpo tops Eastern Conference player rankings for 2025-26 season
• Luka Doncic's offseason transformation reportedly set before Mavericks trade
• NBA analyst offers update on LeBron James' future after cryptic post
• NBA writer urges Sixers to compromise with restricted free agent Quentin Grimes
• Bulls advised against caving to Josh Giddey's demands in restricted free agency