Jalen Brunson Poised for Knicks Jersey Retirement, Joining Elite Rafters
With Finals MVP honors, Jalen Brunson is a near certainty to have his jersey retired, but the path for other current Knicks is less clear.
It has been 23 years since the New York Knicks last retired a jersey at Madison Square Garden. Since James Dolan assumed control of these decisions, only Patrick Ewing's No. 33 has been honored, a unanimous choice given his status as the franchise's all-time leader in points, games played, minutes, rebounds, and blocked shots.
The standard for retiring a jersey at the Garden is notably high. Bernard King, John Starks, and Carmelo Anthony, despite their significant contributions, do not currently have their numbers hanging in the rafters. If Anthony's jersey were to be retired, it could set a precedent that might lead to calls for retroactive enshrinements for other players who had impactful moments but may not meet the stringent criteria.
Jalen Brunson, as a Finals MVP, is considered a lock to have his jersey retired by the Knicks. However, the prospects for other members of the current roster to join him in the rafters remain uncertain.
The existing retired numbers represent a collection of champions and pivotal figures in Knicks history. These include No. 10 Walt Frazier, No. 19 Willis Reed, No. 12 Dick Barnett, No. 22 Dave DeBusschere, and No. 24 Bill Bradley, all key members of the 1970 and 1973 championship teams. Additionally, the career victories of coach Red Holzman are honored with No. 613.
