Charles Oakley praises Jalen Brunson

The New York Knicks legend Charles Oakley says after years of sucking, his former squad is finally starting to trend in the right direction … but tells TMZ Sports he wants to see Jalen Brunson and Co. play more before he considers them legit contenders in the NBA.

“It’s too early to judge,” Oak said. “Brunson doing great things with them. I think Julius has picked his game up, he started off slow. R.J. … so they got some pieces. Just keep jelling.”