NBA Notes: Knicks, Jalen Brunson, Sixers, Kelly Oubre Jr, Magic

Knicks

Jalen Brunson has already cemented his place in Knicks history. Whether he’s the greatest Knick ever is another discussion.

Franchise legend Walt Frazier recently weighed in on the debate and made it clear Brunson still has one more box to check.

“I always say it’s Willis (Reed), and Willis said it’s Patrick (Ewing), and Patrick says it’s Patrick,” Frazier told the Associated Press. “So he would definitely be on Mount Rushmore. We’ll put him up there if he can bring this title.”

Frazier knows exactly what a championship means in New York. More than 50 years after helping lead the Knicks to titles, he’s still treated like royalty around the city.

“I can’t walk the street, it’s like I’m in a parade,” Frazier said. “So if these guys win another title — man, I can’t spend money now in New York. I’ll never have to spend money again in this city.”

76ers

The Sixers have several roster questions entering the offseason, and Kelly Oubre Jr. is one of the biggest.

Oubre has provided energy, durability and scoring during his time in Philadelphia, but his future may come down to contract structure.

According to Philly Voice’s Adam Aaronson, the Sixers could be interested in bringing Oubre back, though finding the right balance between years and annual salary may prove tricky for a team already carrying an expensive roster.

Philadelphia’s new front office will now have to decide how much long-term money it wants tied up in a veteran wing entering his 30s.

Magic

The Magic believe they’ve found their next head coach in Sean Sweeney.

President Jeff Weltman said Orlando was immediately impressed after interviewing the longtime Spurs assistant and quickly moved to make him the franchise’s third coaching hire under Weltman’s leadership.

“The first thing that you notice with Sean is he has like a natural intensity about him,” Weltman said, via Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel. “It’s not something that he has to try to put on or impress you with. It’s just there.”

Sweeney arrives after helping San Antonio reach the NBA Finals and will now be tasked with helping unlock an Orlando offense built around Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs and Desmond Bane.

While Sweeney is often viewed as a defensive-minded coach, Weltman believes he’s capable of overseeing both sides of the ball.

“Sean’s been an offensive coach, too,” Weltman said. “I don’t know how those tags get slapped on people.”