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Zohran Mamdani picks between Jalen Brunson and Aaron Judge for ‘King of New York’ crown

Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images
Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images
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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has decided on who, in his mind at least, should be recognized as the King of New York. 

Naturally, there were several options for that particular title.

Asked to name his selection by Jillian Superstar on YouTube, there was only one answer in Mamdani’s mind and it certainly is difficult to disagree. 

Not even Aaron Judge could compete with Jalen Brunson.  

Mamdani names Jalen Brunson as unofficial King of New York  

Mamdani was fairly quick to answer, which is perhaps not all that surprising given some of the scenes in New York after Brunson helped the Knicks seal NBA championship glory for the first time in more than 50 years last month.  

He helped send New Yorkers into a frenzy and Mamdani believes that was enough to see him unofficially crowned as the city’s king.

Even when Judge’s name was put to him, he said with a beaming smile on his face: “I’ve got to go with Brunson as the king. When was the last time the city felt like this? 1999 was the last time we were in the finals! I just think this is a moment we will never forget.”  

Brunson has become a genuine superstar after leading the Knicks to glory and this, for whatever it is worth, is the latest accolade. 

Furthermore, Brunson is a New York icon and those who live in the area will no doubt be talking about him for years and years to come.  

A New York Knicks fan holds an image of Jalen Brunson as fans celebrate their win against San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on June 13, 2026 in New York City. The New York Knicks lead the San Antonio Spurs 3-1 and could win the franchise's first NBA championship since 1973 if they win tonight.
Photo by Adam Gray/Getty Images

Some suggest that Derek Jeter remains the city’s unofficial king, but there’s little doubt that Brunson is making a compelling case in his own right.

Interestingly, when asked for his unofficial queen of New York, Mamdani opted for music star Cardi B.

He added: “Queen of New York? I do have a soft spot for Cardi B. She’s just, she’s so New York!” 

There’s certainly not many who could possibly rival Judge, but it would surely be difficult for anyone to argue against Brunson taking the crown for now. 

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