Former NBA guard Raymond Felton has declared that New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson has already surpassed Derrick Rose in career accomplishments. Felton made the statement on the 'To The Baha' podcast, arguing Brunson's 2026 NBA Championship and Finals MVP outweigh Rose's historic MVP season.
Why does Raymond Felton think Brunson is better?
Felton pointed directly to Brunson's path to a title. "He left Dallas from a role to go and be the No. 1 option," Felton said. "His team got better every year, and then they won with him as the No. 1 option." The former player acknowledged the comparison might seem unfair due to Rose's injury history but stood by his conclusion.
He simply stated, "I have to put Jalen Brunson in front of him. Jalen Brunson has done more." Felton's argument hinges on team success and Brunson's evolution into a primary option who delivered a championship to New York.
How do their careers and stats compare?
The two point guards have very different career arcs and playing styles. Derrick Rose is the youngest league MVP in NBA history, winning the award in 2011. Brunson has never been a finalist for that honor.
However, Rose never reached the NBA Finals. Brunson holds a Finals MVP trophy and a championship ring from the Knicks' 2026 title run. Their statistical careers are surprisingly close. Brunson has averaged 19.2 points, 5.3 assists, and 3.2 rebounds. Rose averaged 17.4 points, 5.2 assists, and 3.2 rebounds from 2008 to 2024.
In terms of accolades, Brunson has made three All-Star and three All-NBA teams so far. Rose made three All-Star appearances and one All-NBA team. Their games are different. Rose relied on explosive speed and athleticism. Brunson mastered on-ball skills to become a multi-faceted threat who can score, shoot, pass, and defend.
What is the current context for the New York Knicks?
The Knicks are riding high after their championship season. Their last official result was a 94-90 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on June 14, 2026, to clinch the title. The team's recent form shows four wins in their last five games, and they are currently on a four-game winning run.
Brunson just entered his 30s, so he likely has several prime years remaining to add to his legacy. The Knicks will look to build on their success and potentially bring another championship to New York. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming schedule on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page.
Felton's comments highlight a fascinating debate about legacy versus peak performance. Everyone acknowledges Rose's career was derailed by injuries. His redemption arc in his final seasons, which included a stint as Brunson's teammate on the Knicks, remains an admirable story. But in Felton's view, the concrete results of a championship tilt the scales in Brunson's favor for the New York Knicks.
