Former NBL guns help Knicks create NBA history

15 Jun 2026

New York Knicks assistant coaches Rick Brunson and Chris Jent both played in the NBL during their careers.

By

NBL.com.au

The New York Knicks’ run to the 2026 NBA championship was one for the history books, ending a 53-year title drought.

That run had a distinct NBL flavour, with three former stars playing a role in the Knicks’ 4-1 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals.

Former Melbourne United Next Star Ariel Hukporti provided key minutes off the bench for the Knicks, including a huge block on Luke Kornet in Game 5.

While two of New York’s assistant coaches, Rick Brunson and Chris Jent, have ties to the Hungry Jack’s NBL.

Brunson, the father of Finals MVP Jalen, played with the Adelaide 36ers during the 1996 season, averaging 21.6 points, 6.5 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game across his 31 appearances.

While Chris Jent starred for the North Melbourne Giants in the 1995 season, putting up 25.7 points, 6.9 boards and 2.9 dimes per match.

These three follow in the footsteps of former New Zealand Next Star Ousmane Dieng and Brisbane Bullets forward Alex Ducas, helping the Oklahoma City Thunder win the 2025 title.