SNY just dropped a list of their proclaimed top 10 New York athletes right now. And after seeing it, I thought I’d make a case for my own top 10.
But before doing that, I’ll note that I won’t adhere strictly to the same criteria as SNY. I will honor their rules that “a player must have already played for a New York team,” and players who “played sparingly since coming to New York” will be excluded (sorry Rodgers, fingers crossed you’ll be on it next year).
However, I will interpret “athlete” a little more liberally. And, whereas a player’s entire career in New York was factored in for SNY, I will focus more on their impact and momentum in recent months. I think that’s a better indicator of how an athlete is perceived “right now.”
With that in mind, here’s my take.
No. 10: Dexter Lawrence, Giants
I’m keeping Sexy Dexy at 10 behind Quinnen Williams. Not to make a statement about who I think is the better DT. But because I think most Giants fans would agree the Jets have a better overall defense this year. And since football is a team sport, no matter how well Lawrence plays individually, I think the Jets defense will see more success.
Also, I’m a Jets fan.
No. 9: Quinnen Williams, Jets
The Jets are looking at a defense that many are expecting to be the best in the NFL. That defense is anchored by 2019 draft pick and career Jet Quinnen Williams. The DT out of Alabama is well on his way to becoming a classic Jet, especially with the electric personality he’s used to win the hearts of New Yorkers.
No. 8: Josh Hart, Knicks
Hart might not be an All-Star caliber type of player. However, the grit he put on display by playing damn-near every minute of every playoff game without complaint was awesome to watch. That’s the kind of player New Yorkers will take any day of the week.
No. 7: Breece Hall, Jets
I was surprised Breece was left off SNY’s list. Didn’t even make the Honorable Mentions. Probably because the Jets offense, led by QB Zach Wilson and a terrible offensive line, was less than stellar last season.
But no Jets fan blames that on Breece. In fact, most Jets fans agree with ESPN that Breece Hall is a Top 2 RB in the NFL. It’s not very often the Jets have a Top 2 of anything.
No. 6: Grimace, Mets
One of the rules for this assignment was the athlete couldn’t have “played sparingly since coming to New York.” And one pitch would probably be considered sparingly by most people.
But it’s hard to disregard the crucial role Grimace has played in the Mets’ turnaround this season. Leaving him off the list didn’t sit right with me.
For those of you who are a little more stringent with the rules, substitute Grimace with Mets SS Francisco Lindor.
No. 5: Juan Soto, Yankees
Soto has been the Robin to Judge’s Batman all season. We might not have seen a performance like this since the Dark Knight released (16 years ago today). And even though the Yankees are 1.0 games behind Baltimore right now, his impact on this team and this city has been massive.
No. 4: Sauce Gardner, Jets
Sauce has been a key contributor on a Jets defense that many are expecting to be the best in the NFL next year. The luxury of having a lockdown corner in today’s pass-heavy NFL can’t be taken lightly. And Jets fans are keenly aware of how great the former Defensive Rookie of the Year has been.
No. 3: Igor Shesterkin, Rangers
Hockey might not be the biggest draw in New York. But it’s hard to understate Shesterkin’s impact on the Rangers. He holds the Rangers all-time highest save percentage in a season, even higher than the legendary Henrik Lundqvist. And he holds the highest career save percentage.
He just posted a .926 save percentage in the playoffs, and .930 in six games against the Panthers who went on to win the Stanley Cup. His playoff performance included an insane, NHL-best 15.62 goals saved above expected according to Evolving Hockey. And the Rangers wouldn’t have sniffed the success they had this season without him.
No. 2: Aaron Judge, Yankees
Although the Yankees are sitting 1.0 games behind Baltimore as of writing this, Judge has become must-watch television all on his own.
The Yankees icon broke a franchise record with 34 home runs at the All-Star break. And he’s got 85 RBI’s to add.
As SNY pointed out, his numbers are even better than in 2022 when he won MVP:
- Judge (2022): .284/.364/.618, 33 home runs 70 RBI
- Judge (2024): .306/.433/.679, 34 home runs and 85 RBI
No. 1: Jalen Brunson, Knicks
SNY got this one right. This one should be undisputed right now.
Not only did Brunson carry the Knicks in the playoffs, averaging 32.4 points and 7.5 assists a game while breaking his hand against the Pacers. But he also just turned down $100m in guaranteed money to give the Knicks more flexibility in signing other players.
In a city like New York, where the ambitious flock to make money, it’s hard to find someone who cares more about his team (and this city) than himself. But here’s Brunson turning down $100 million. It’s no surprise his past teammates, including latest addition Mikal Bridges, are champing at the bit to join him in New York.
He’s turned out to be a generational player for the Knicks so far. And even more important, a generational leader.
