Jalen Brunson has gone from an under-the-radar player to a superstar and, especially in New York, a cultural icon.
At the end of the day, though, where does Brunson rank among the best guards in the NBA?
During the 2025-26 season with the Knicks, Brunson averaged 26 points and seven assists per game while shooting efficiently from the field. Across New York, he is regarded as one of the greatest athletes of his generation. But there are plenty of players at his position who are also considered among the best in the game.
So, are those players truly better than Brunson? Or has the narrative outside of New York created a different perception of his standing among the NBA’s elite?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has established himself as one of the best guards of his generation and has been the catalyst behind the Oklahoma City Thunder’s rise to the top of the NBA.
A season ago, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 31 points, seven assists and four rebounds per game, establishing himself as one of the league’s most dominant offensive players.
Gilgeous-Alexander is a three-level scorer who can create from virtually anywhere on the floor. At 6-foot-6, he also possesses the height and length that NBA teams covet in a guard. His ability to make his teammates better has been a major part of his impact. He has also developed a reputation for having the killer instinct necessary to take over games when his team needs him most.
Defensively, Gilgeous-Alexander also has an advantage over Brunson. The Knicks have occasionally had to account for Brunson’s defensive limitations. At the same time, Gilgeous-Alexander has shown the ability to hold his own against some of the league’s top offensive players.
The edge goes to Gilgeous-Alexander.
Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic is a true basketball unicorn and could ultimately go down as one of the greatest offensive players in NBA history. For now, fans are simply witnessing his greatness in real time.
Before an injury last season, Doncic averaged 34 points, eight rebounds and eight assists per game while helping lead the Lakers to a top-four seed in an extremely competitive Western Conference.
With the Lakers entering the 2026-27 season without one of their key supporting pieces, Doncic’s offensive responsibilities could increase even further.
There is arguably no player of this generation who can manipulate a defense and create offense quite like Doncic. His size, passing ability and scoring versatility make him nearly impossible to defend. The lingering question, much like with Brunson, is defense.
Both the Knicks and Lakers have built their defensive identities more around their wings and frontcourt players than their backcourt stars. That can create challenges when Brunson or Doncic are targeted defensively.
The two former Mavericks teammates are closer in this debate than many might think, especially considering Brunson has already proven he can lead a team to a championship as its No. 1 option.
Still, Doncic’s offensive ability is legendary, and that gives him the slight edge over his former teammate.
Anthony Edwards
Anthony Edwards and Brunson do not play the same position. However, both have become franchise-defining players who can completely change their teams’ trajectories in the backcourt.
Last season, Edwards established himself as one of the league’s elite scorers, averaging 29 points, five rebounds and four assists per game.
For a Timberwolves franchise that was considered one of the NBA’s struggling organizations for years, Edwards has become the face of its resurgence. Minnesota reached back-to-back Western Conference finals in 2024 and 2025 but has been unable to get over the hump. The Timberwolves have continued to run into teams with championship aspirations while trying to develop their own long-term contender.
Minnesota reshuffled its roster this offseason in an effort to make another championship push. The Knicks, meanwhile, have largely stayed patient, allowing some of the Eastern Conference’s toughest teams to make mistakes while continuing to build around Brunson.
When it comes to leading a team, Edwards is excellent. Brunson, however, has already proven he can be phenomenal in that role. Edwards may have the advantage in a one-on-one matchup because of his size, athleticism and explosiveness. But Brunson’s ability to control a game, create for teammates and consistently deliver in high-pressure moments gives him the edge as the more complete player.
Edwards will have another opportunity to change that narrative heading into the 2026-27 season.
