Jalen Brunson Names Knicks Predecessor Kemba Walker Toughest Opponent

New York Knicks All-Star Jalen Brunson put forth an ironic choice for the toughest opponent he's ever had to guard.

Jalen Brunson has caused countless New York Knicks fans to forget his immediate point guard predecessor Kemba Walker. Ironically, though, Walker still holds real estate in the head of the current All-Star.

Few have been able to stop Brunson this season, as he's averaging a career-best 27.7 points and 6.7 assists. On the other side of the ball, however, Brunson admitted to Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes that Walker's skillset has left a lasting impression on him, even if his current hardwood endeavors place him an ocean away. 

Jerome Miron, USA TODAY SPORTS

"A person who made me look like an idiot ... every time I guarded him was Kemba, straight up," Brunson said (h/t New York Basketball on X). "When he stopped on a dime, I was still going, like another two, three, four steps. I had to go back that way and he's going to come back across this way."

"That was never fun ... I'd rather take a charge from (Nikola) Jokic, like a seven-footer, or (Joel) Embiid than do that. It was not fun." 

Walker, 33, is currently stationed with French club AS Monaco after a memorable domestic career that saw him earn collegiate and professional accolades. The Connecticut alum reached four All-Star Games as a member of the Charlotte Hornets and Boston Celtics, years after he earned All-American honors as a Husky.

Kemba Walker: Why 'Storybook' Knicks Scenario 'Didn't Work Out'

Walker signed with the Knicks in August 2021 as the team sought to solve its long-standing issues at point guard. But the Bronx native was unable to rediscover his Madison Square Garden magic from the Big East Men's Basketball Tournament, dealing with injuries and inconsistency en route to career-low averages of 11.6 points and 3.5 assists in only 37 appearances. 

The Knicks traded Walker to the Detroit Pistons on the ensuing draft night to make financial room for the former Dallas Maverick Brunson, who signed a four-year, $104 million deal with the Knicks a few weeks later. Ironically, Walker was one of those called upon to replace Brunson in Dallas before Mark Cuban and Co. traded for Kyrie Irving.