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• Updated Jun 23, 2026 at 3:24pm

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PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 10: Head coach Becky Hammon of the Las Vegas Aces speaks to the media prior to Game Four of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs finals at Mortgage Matchup Center on October 10, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

New York Knicks fans hoping for an apology from Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon regarding the controversial comment she made about Knicks star guard Jalen Brunson a few years back will be disappointed.

Back in 2023, Hammon basically implied that Brunson was too small to be the top option on a championship team in the NBA. “If your best player is small, you’re not winning,” Hammon said at the time.

Obviously, Brunson proved Hammon, and other similar detractors, wrong by leading the Knicks to the NBA title this year.

Becky Hammon Won’t Apologize for Previous Polarizing Jalen Brunson Take

GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 10: Head coach Becky Hammon of the Las Vegas Aces reacts in the first quarter against the Phoenix Mercury during Game Four of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs finals at Mortgage Matchup Center on October 10, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

But when given the opportunity, Hammon refused to apologize for her take, saying that sharing her opinions is what ESPN pays her for. She did, however, give Brunson credit for how well he played while leading the Knicks to their first title since 1973.

“Jalen, all he did was prove history wrong, he proves he’s an outlier, so you can put his name next to Steph Curry and Isaiah Thomas, and I thought he played brilliantly, especially down the stretch,” Hammon said. “… I mean, he was that 1A dude, but like, apologize, I’m never gonna apologize for having an opinion, that’s what ESPN pays me for.”

This story will be updated.