Anthony Edwards Praises Jalen Brunson as Face of the NBA

Anthony Edwards, the Minnesota Timberwolves star, has removed himself from the conversation about who deserves to be called the face of the NBA. Speaking during Fanatics Fest in New York, Edwards said he believes the distinction should belong to reigning NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson.

Why Did Edwards Endorse Brunson?

Edwards' reasoning had little to do with statistics or highlight plays. Instead, he argued that the league's standard-bearer should first prove capable of leading a franchise to the sport's ultimate prize. By that definition, Brunson's 2026 postseason made him a worthy choice.

What Made Brunson's Postseason So Impressive?

The Knicks captain averaged 25.5 points and 7.8 assists while leading New York through the Eastern Conference playoffs. Against the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals, Brunson averaged 32.6 points, 4.6 assists, and 4.2 rebounds, helping the Knicks capture their first NBA championship since 1973. His dominant performance earned him unanimous Eastern Conference Finals MVP and NBA Finals MVP honors while cementing one of the greatest postseason runs in franchise history.

Brunson's Legacy Continues to Grow

The accolades didn't stop once the championship parade ended. Weeks after leading the Knicks to the title, Brunson swept all three individual ESPY Awards for which he was nominated, winning Best Athlete in Men's Sports, Best NBA Player, and Best Championship Performance. The latter honor came after Brunson's spectacular 45-point performance in the title-clinching Game 5 of the NBA Finals, one of the defining performances of the postseason.

What Comes Next for Brunson?

The postseason has become even more remarkable in hindsight. Earlier this month, Brunson underwent surgery to repair an injury in his right forearm and wrist after quietly playing through the ailment during New York's championship run. SNY's Ian Begley reported that Brunson is expected to spend at least two months recovering before returning to basketball activities.

What Does This Mean for Anthony Edwards?

Edwards' comments added another layer of validation to Brunson's status as the face of the NBA. Rather than simply praising Brunson as one of the league's elite players, Edwards essentially argued that New York's championship elevated him to basketball's biggest individual distinction.