New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) dribbles the ball against New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (2) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

14-Year NBA Veteran Makes Strong Jalen Brunson Statement

Originally posted on New Orleans Pelicans on SI
By Farbod Esnaashari | Last updated May 20, 2025 9:50 AM ET

The NBA Playoffs will see a new face emerge as the Championship team this year as the only teams remaining are the New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Oklahoma City Thunder.

Each of the remaining teams is led by some of the NBA's new talent that will face help propel the league into the new age once the old guard sunsets their careers.

PLAYOFF BRACKET

Thunder advance to Western Conference Finals

The #NBAPlayoffs presented by Google continue Tuesday at 8:30pm/et on ESPN! pic.twitter.com/4Ok58mt4Jq
— NBA (@NBA) May 19, 2025

Former New Orleans Pelicans center and 14-year NBA veteran Kendrick Perkins shared his thoughts on which one of these young stars is the best player remaining in the playoffs.

"He's six foot two inches and he goes by the name Big Body Brunson", said Perkins."That's who I am thinking of, sixth in the postseason in scoring, second overall points in the postseason, and he's the much clutch player in the postseason, leading all players with clutch points."

"If I had to say anybody is the best player remaining in the postseason, it's Big Body Brunson." @kendrickperkins says Jalen Brunson is the best player left in the NBA playoffs pic.twitter.com/8ZfjtiXT9b
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) May 19, 2025

"Heres the thing about Brunson, not only will he get it done at home in Madison Square Garden when it comes down to the fourth quarter but he takes it on the road as well. If I had to say anybody is the best player right now remaining in the postseason its Big Body Brunson, Mr. Jalen Brunson himself."

Jalen Brunson has averaged 28.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, 7.7 assists on 44/36/82 shooting splits in the 12 games he has played in these playoffs.

Indiana. New York. A rematch of last year's East Semis

Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam and the Pacers square off against Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns and the Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals!

GAME 1 tips Wednesday at 8:00pm/et on TNT! pic.twitter.com/NYCg9KU6Gs
— NBA (@NBA) May 19, 2025

With how well the Knicks have performed this postseason, it is clear to see why Perkins holds him in such high regard.

This article first appeared on New Orleans Pelicans on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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