Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon isn't retracting her 2023 claim that smaller players can't lead teams to NBA championships, even as Jalen Brunson steers the New York Knicks into the Finals. Hammon initially told ESPN that the Knicks couldn't win if Brunson was their best player, citing his 6-foot-2 frame as a limitation.

Brunson silenced doubters by capturing the Larry Bird Trophy as Eastern Conference finals MVP, averaging 25.5 points and 7.8 assists while sweeping Cleveland. The Knicks now prepare to face either Oklahoma City or San Antonio for the title. Hammon acknowledged Iverson's similar MVP performance before losing in the finals, suggesting the championship hurdle remains significant.

The Aces coach brings personal stakes to this debate, having played for the San Antonio Silver Stars before they relocated to Las Vegas and become her current team. Her experience as a Spurs assistant under Gregg Popovich informs her basketball perspective. Despite the criticism, Hammon maintains she's open to being proven wrong by Brunson's continued success.

Hammon's stance reflects the ongoing discussion about positional size in the modern NBA, where Jalen Brunson has already defied conventional wisdom by reaching the Finals. Her willingness to acknowledge being wrong shows respect for his achievements while preserving her original analysis.