Jalen Brunson refuses to call himself ‘King of New York’ for a very good reason
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson does not refer to himself as the ‘King of New York,’ even if his fans have given him that nickname. Brunson cemented himself as the King of New York with his incredible performances through the 2026 NBA Playoffs, ending the city’s 53-year wait for an NBA Championship.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson does not refer to himself as the “King of New York,” despite his fans bestowing that nickname upon him. After leading the Knicks to an NBA Championship in the 2026 NBA Playoffs, ending the city’s 53-year championship drought, Brunson remains modest about his accomplishments. On the Road Trippin’ podcast, the 30-year-old Finals MVP explained why he won’t call himself the “King of New York.”
According to Brunson, "I will never call myself the King of New York… 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 —-? This dude is so self-centered.’" The humility Brunson displayed upon winning the title has been palpable in all of his interviews, as he focuses on the challenges ahead for the Knicks rather than resting on his laurels.
The nickname may even seem more endearing now that Brunson has publicly acknowledged it as potentially self-centered if he's the one using it. Nevertheless, as long as Knicks fans continue crowning Brunson as the king of the city, they will be free to do so.
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