With the NBA season approaching, two teams have emerged as early favorites in the Eastern Conference: the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Knicks are the reigning champions, winning the franchise's third title overall and first in 53 years earlier this year. And the Philadelphia 76ers added major star power to their roster this offseason in pursuit of their first championship since 1983.
Among those suiting up for the 76ers will be former Boston Celtics All-Star and 2024 NBA Finals MVP, Jaylen Brown, and one of the NBA's all-time greatest players, LeBron James. The latter recently expressed his thoughts about various players and teams heading into the new season.
"They've got a bunch of guys that compete, and they've got winners," James said about the Knicks on the "Mind the Game" podcast with co-host Steve Nash.
However, he also dropped an interesting claim related to the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player award, which went to the Knicks' Jalen Brunson. According to James, another player was more deserving of that award.
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"OG [Anunoby] was I think was the MVP of the team in the Finals," James told Nash. "Obviously, Brunson became the MVP, but it's the small things. The chase-down block on De'Aaron Fox, the tip for the game. He was consistent.
"Obviously, we know Jalen Brunson was the head of the snake, but I think OG was just like, he was the most steady person for that team," he contended.
It's an interesting take from James, as Anunoby averaged 21.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.4 steals, 1.4 blocks, and one assist per game during his five games in the NBA Finals. According to StatMuse, Brunson averaged 32.6 points, along with 4.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and two steals per game.
Both Brunson and Anunoby were key contributors to the Knicks' championship win. However, James seems to think Anunoby's overall contributions, particularly his ability to do the "small things," made him more deserving of the award.
Brunson might use James's comments as extra motivation to help the Knicks dominate the 76ers in their first regular-season meeting. That occurs on Tuesday, Oct. 20, when the 76ers visit the Knicks, who will raise their championship banner in Madison Square Garden the same night.
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