Knicks fans have a new top-tier nickname for Jalen Brunson after recent criticisms about his game

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson was recently the subject of debate when Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon spoke about his potential.

Hammon and ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins went back and forth about whether or not Brunson was capable of playing like the best player on the best team in the league.

There is no doubt that Brunson is playing at an elite level right now and he has now scored 30 or more points in eight games so far this season. That now includes a very impressive 36-point performance on Christmas Day during a victory over the Bucks, led by two-time MVP and former NBA Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Despite his accomplishes, though, there are concerns. As a former small guard herself, and as an experienced basketball coach, Hammon wondered if someone his size could lead his team to win a title in the NBA.

We don’t know if Hammon’s criticism of Brunson’s limitations is accurate and we won’t know until we see if he can keep this success for the Knicks in the postseason.

But some fans and teammates are latching on to one of the phrases used in the ESPN debate about whether or not Brunson could become a “1A” player. It seems that his teammates, including Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein, think he is already there.

RELATED: Becky Hammon shouldn’t have to shrink herself for the comfort of basketball fans

Isaiah Hartenstein posted a photo with Jalen Brunson on Instagram.

The caption? “1A.” pic.twitter.com/KDUzVDaaM9

— The Strickland (@TheStrickland) December 25, 2023

1A

— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) December 25, 2023

You can talk all that about Jalen Brunson not being a 1a but when you put him on the stage with superstars, he's coming out victorious across the board! Merry Christmas and Carry the hell on…

— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) December 25, 2023

Shoutout to the 1A on the Knicks!!! That was the best Christmas gift!

— Jerry Ferrara (@jerryferrara) December 25, 2023

Jalen Brunson against the Bucks this season (4 games):

35.8 PPG
5.8 APG
3.8 RPG
60% TS

1A. Superstar. Or whatever you wanna call him. pic.twitter.com/wFq6qIhUip

— The Strickland (@TheStrickland) December 25, 2023

Jalen Brunson today VS MIL:

38 PTS
6 AST
15-28 FG
W.

1A pic.twitter.com/Ci6X2e1Krf

— KnicksNation (@KnicksNation) December 25, 2023

Every day is Christmas when Jalen Brunson is your 1A Point Guard

KNICKS WIN pic.twitter.com/LjoKFoYAN3

— Knicks Memes (@KnicksMemes) December 25, 2023