Knicks’ Jalen Brunson compared to Super Bowl MVP — with a fascinating Nick Saban twist originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Jalen Brunson turned around his career for the better after leaving the Dallas Mavericks to sign a four-year, $104 million contract with the New York Knicks. Previously, he was playing under the enormous shadow of Luka Doncic, but with the Knicks, Brunson has taken the reins.
After failing to take the Knicks into the NBA Finals last year, the guard redeemed himself in style. He led from the front in the Knicks’ 4-0 rout of the Philadelphia 76ers and then the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The closest NFL comparison Ty Schmit can think of for Brunson is New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, whose career trajectory has been similar to the Knicks guard.
“The one that’s most closest to Jalen Brunson leaving Dallas, going to the Knicks and turning around –Drew Brees leaving the Chargers, going to New Orleans and turning around that city,” Schmit said.
Drew Brees and Jalen Brunson’s fate might have a link with Nick Saban twist
Drew Brees departed the San Diego Chargers in 2006 after they chose to place their trust in young quarterback Philip Rivers, whom they had drafted highly. Sure, Brees was respected, but he was let go, somewhat similar to Jalen Brunson’s striking exit from the Mavericks.
“They liked him, but they had Phillip Rivers,” Schmit said about the Chargers’ scenario. “And I think it’s the Mavericks. They liked Jalen Brunson, but they had Luka Doncic, so they let him go.”
Knicks guard Jalen Brunson has become the NFL equivalent of former Saints QB Drew Brees.
Cc: @tyschmit
🎧 https://t.co/jE2MJ5zgJVpic.twitter.com/nQqfQy3EmE
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 28, 2026
Dallas fans were not happy after the Mavericks decided not to extend Brunson and now they see Brunson emerging as a premier NBA guard. This similar arc was experienced with Brees, too, but this was before. He turned around a struggling Saints squad, leading them to Super Bowl XLIV win.
MORE: Jalen Brunson’s $113 million gamble changed Knicks history forever
Schmit also explored what if it was not the Orleans but instead the Miami Dolphins who signed Brees in 2006 free agency. The analyst believes this would have changed the entire career trajectory of former Alabama Crimson Tide legendary head coach Nick Saban and those six national championships that he won afterwards.
“If Drew Brees had gone to Miami over New Orleans, I maintain, Nick Saban might still be coaching the NFL,” Schmit added. “He might never have gone. He would have been there for Drew Brees’ career. He would have won a Super Bowl in Miami. He would have been declared a hero. Alabama wouldn’t have had the coach it did.”
If there is a connection written in stars, we might already know the winner of the 2026 NBA Finals.