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Brunson Over Shai, Tucker: “He always makes the right play”

Sandy Verma | July 24, 2026 10:24 AM CST

In the NBA’s ever-evolving hierarchy of superstars, the line between a great player and a true winner is often drawn in the biggest moments. Appearing on the Club 520 podcast alongside former Bucks teammate Jeff Teague, P.J. Tucker – who spent his final NBA season (2024-25) with the New York Knicks – didn’t hesitate when asked to choose between Jalen Brunson and reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

While acknowledging how difficult the comparison is, the veteran 3-and-D forward gave a clear edge to the Knicks’ point guard:

Tucker’s endorsement isn’t simply driven by personal ties or his recent time in New York – it is backed up by results. Brunson now sits atop the basketball world after leading the Knicks to their first NBA title in 53 yearsearning Finals MVP honors despite playing through a wrist injury that was only revealed after the season ended.

A statistical comparison from the 2025-26 playoffs also supports Tucker’s argument. Brunson averaged 28.4 points, 6.1 assists, and 3.2 rebounds while shooting 46.5% from the field and 36.3% from three. SGA countered with 27.6 points, 7.9 assists, and 2.9 rebounds, shooting 46.3% overall but just 30.5% from beyond the arc.

Aside from assists, the Knicks star outperformed his counterpart in nearly every major statistical categoryshowing greater efficiency when the stakes were at their highest.

Paolo Banchero also joined the chorus of admirers. Speaking with Stephen A. Smith, the Orlando Magic star praised his former Team USA teammate:

With this championship, Jalen Brunson has rewritten Knicks history and taken a major step forward in his career, placing himself firmly in the conversation for a future spot in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.