Jalen Brunson, the New York Knicks' standout guard, is in the spotlight this year at the ESPYs, with nominations for some of the most prestigious awards. His journey from college standout to NBA champion has been nothing short of remarkable, and his former college teammate and current NBA peer, Mikal Bridges, is rooting for him to take home all the accolades.
Brunson is up for Best NBA Player, Best Male Athlete, and Best Championship Performance, a testament to his pivotal role in leading the Knicks to their first NBA title in over fifty years. He's competing against a formidable lineup that includes sports icons like Shohei Ohtani, Matthew Stafford, and Lionel Messi, as well as NBA contemporaries such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, and Victor Wembanyama. The Knicks, too, are in the running for Best Team, competing against a diverse field of eight top teams from various sports.
In a recent appearance on ESPN, Bridges didn't hold back his support for Brunson, expressing his hopes that Brunson would dominate the awards. “I hope not.
"I hope [no one beats him]. I hope he sweeps everybody. I hope he wins them all."
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 28, 2026
Mikal Bridges on Jalen Brunson being nominated for multiple ESPYS 😂 pic.twitter.com/GwLW6noczm
I hope he sweeps everybody. Hope he wins them all,” Bridges said when asked if he'd be content with Brunson winning just one award.
Brunson's performance this season has been nothing short of stellar, solidifying his status as a key player in the Knicks' championship success. During the playoffs, he was a force to be reckoned with, averaging 28.4 points, 6.1 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game, while shooting an impressive 46.5% from the field and 36.3% from beyond the arc.
His crowning moment came in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, where he played a crucial 41 minutes and racked up 45 points to secure the championship. In that game, Brunson also contributed three rebounds, three assists, two steals, hit four 3-pointers, and made 13 out of 15 free throws, showcasing his all-around game.
Whether Brunson will achieve a clean sweep at the ESPYs is still up in the air, but one thing is certain: Mikal Bridges has made his allegiance clear, wholeheartedly backing his teammate for the top honors.
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Looney also appears to be on the radar of other teams, including Boston and Golden State, which means the Knicks will not be operating in a quiet lane. Still, there is some real familiarity here, and SNYs Ian Begley has reported that the interest runs both ways. If the Knicks are looking for an edge in a crowded center search, this is the kind of situation where relationships can matter almost as much as the market itself. [Read more 🡒]