Becky Hammon, head coach of the Las Vegas Aces, isn’t changing her mind about small guards leading NBA teams, even after Jalen Brunson’s recent success. At 6-foot-2, Brunson helped the New York Knicks sweep the Cleveland Cavaliers, bringing the team to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999. Hammon, however, remains firm in her belief that size matters for championships.
“Historically, I stand by my opinion,” Hammon said. “It’s not a new idea. People seem surprised, but I said it two years ago.” Despite praising Brunson’s skills, she insists that the best teams are still in the Western Conference.
In a December 2023 episode of ESPN’s “NBA Today,” Hammon claimed that no small player could lead a winning team, citing Golden State’s Stephen Curry as the only exception. She reiterated this belief as the Knicks were striving for success in the Eastern Conference.
Brunson’s playoffs have been impressive. He averaged 25.5 points and 7.8 assists during the Cavaliers series, even earning the Larry Bird Eastern Conference Finals MVP trophy. He played a crucial role, scoring 17 points in a critical fourth-quarter comeback. His performance has sparked debate among analysts like Kendrick Perkins.
Yet Hammon remains skeptical. She referenced past stars like Allen Iverson, who, despite winning MVP, lost in the Finals. “The best teams are in the West,” she stated, adhering to her historical perspective.
This debate gained traction on social media after Brunson’s victory. Former NBA star Isaiah Thomas chimed in, sharing his own experiences as a shorter player who thrived with the Celtics. His career averages of 28.9 points per game highlight that success is possible, regardless of height.
As Brunson heads into the Finals, eyes will be on him. He’ll face robust defenses, including those led by Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren. Hammon remains curious about how he’ll perform on such a big stage. “I’m open to being proven wrong,” she said. “Jalen is an incredible player.”
This ongoing debate touches on a deeper issue in sports: how size and skill interact. Historical data shows that while some shorter players have achieved greatness, many teams tend to favor taller athletes. As the league evolves, it will be interesting to see if Brunson can change the narrative.
For further insights into the impact of player size in basketball, check out this detailed analysis on [NPR](https://www.npr.org) that explores how height can influence a player’s career and team success.
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New York Knicks, NBA
