On a recent segment of The Stephen A. Smith Show, Smith acknowledged that some fans would view his take as dramatic. He argued that Brunson’s title run proved the NBA does not have to be a league built solely on overwhelming size.
Smith’s comments quickly drew debate online because they connected Brunson’s title run to a larger argument about size, skill, and roster building in the NBA
The debate became another lively post-Finals talking point as fans reacted to Smith’s bold framing of Brunson’s championship run.
Why does Stephen A. Smith think Brunson saved the NBA?
Speaking on ESPN, Smith acknowledged that some fans would view his take as overly dramatic. However, he insisted that people were missing the broader argument.
“I know a lot of people out there think it’s hyperbolic to say such a thing. I would say to you, you’re not really listening to me,” Smith said. He explained that if Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs had won a championship, franchises across the league might have immediately shifted their long-term plans toward finding the next generational giant.
Smith argued that executives, scouts, and front offices would begin asking the same question: how do you beat a 7-foot-5 superstar? In his view, Brunson leading New York to a title instead reinforced the idea that elite guard play, toughness, leadership, and roster depth remain just as important as overwhelming size.
Brunson’s playoff run strengthened his superstar status
Brunson’s Finals performance gave Smith’s argument a stronger hook. Throughout the playoffs, the Knicks relied heavily on their All-NBA guard to create offense, control tempo, and deliver in clutch moments.
Brunson repeatedly delivered in high-pressure moments, including a 45-point Game 5 that sealed the Knicks’ first championship since 1973. His leadership also resonated with fans who appreciated seeing a traditionally undersized star thrive on basketball’s biggest stage.
The championship run elevated Brunson from star player to franchise icon. For many Knicks fans, his postseason heroics instantly made him one of the most beloved players in team history.
Fun fact: Jalen Brunson won two NCAA national championships at Villanova before entering the NBA, becoming one of college basketball’s most accomplished guards of his era.
Is the NBA really shifting toward giant lineups?
Smith’s comments also reopened a broader conversation about where the league is headed. Wembanyama has already transformed expectations around what a modern superstar can look like.
At 7-foot-4 with perimeter skills, shot creation ability, and elite defensive instincts, Wembanyama represents a rare player archetype. Players with rare size and versatility remain highly valued, especially after Wembanyama’s rise as one of the league’s defining young stars.
Still, history shows that championship formulas vary significantly. Recent title teams have succeeded through different approaches, ranging from dominant big men to perimeter-oriented offenses built around elite guards and wings.
That variety remains one of the NBA’s greatest strengths. Brunson’s championship reinforces the notion that there is no single blueprint for building a winner.
Fans are divided on Smith’s comments
Unsurprisingly, Smith’s remarks generated strong reactions across social media. Some fans agreed with the underlying message, arguing that the NBA benefits when multiple roster-building strategies can realistically compete for championships.
Others criticized the statement as classic Stephen A. Smith hyperbole. Detractors pointed out that one championship would not fundamentally alter league-wide scouting practices, especially considering how rare a prospect like Wembanyama truly is.
Yet even critics acknowledged the larger discussion was worthwhile. The NBA has spent years promoting parity, and the recent championship landscape supports that effort. Different franchises, playing different styles, have continued winning titles, creating a league environment that feels increasingly unpredictable and competitive.
Fun fact: The Knicks had not won an NBA championship since 1973 before their 2026 title run, ending a 53-year drought.
Brunson’s success highlights the value of leadership
Perhaps the most important aspect of Smith’s argument has little to do with height at all. Brunson’s championship run showcased qualities that cannot easily be measured at the scouting combine.
Leadership, poise, toughness, and decision-making repeatedly surfaced during New York’s postseason journey. Brunson consistently delivered in high-pressure moments while elevating teammates around him.
Championship teams often feature transcendent talent, but they also require emotional stability and accountability. The Knicks found those qualities in Brunson, whose calm presence became a defining characteristic throughout the playoffs.
That reality may ultimately be the real lesson for NBA front offices. While physical tools remain essential, championships are still won by complete teams led by players capable of thriving under immense pressure.
Fun fact: Brunson was selected by the Dallas Mavericks with the 33rd overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft after winning two national championships at Villanova.
What does this debate say about today’s NBA?
The reaction to Smith’s comments illustrates just how compelling today’s NBA landscape has become. The league features dominant big men, elite guards, versatile wings, and international superstars all competing at the highest level.
Rather than proving one style superior, Brunson and the Knicks may have simply reinforced basketball’s enduring truth: there are many paths to a championship.
Smith’s “saved the NBA” comment will likely continue generating debate throughout the offseason. Whether fans agree or disagree, the conversation highlights the league’s competitive diversity, and that’s ultimately good news for basketball.
TL;DR
- Stephen A. Smith said Jalen Brunson “saved the NBA” following the Knicks’ championship run.
- Smith argued that a Spurs title led by Victor Wembanyama could have pushed teams to prioritize size even more.
- Brunson’s postseason success reinforced the value of elite guard play, leadership, and team balance.
- Fans remain divided on whether Smith’s comments are insightful or overly dramatic.
- The debate reflects the NBA’s current competitive parity and multiple championship-building models.
If you liked this story, don’t forget to follow us for more exclusive content.
This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
If you liked this, you might also like:
