The New York Knicks have experienced a remarkable resurgence, one that hasn't been seen in over a quarter of a century. Much of this revival can be attributed to one man: Jalen Brunson. Since his arrival, the Knicks have reached the Eastern Conference semifinals in consecutive seasons, a feat they hadn't achieved since 2013, and have managed to win playoff series in back-to-back seasons for the first time since their golden era from 1992 to 2000. Brunson’s impact on the team is undeniable, both on and off the court.
Brunson's commitment to the Knicks is evident in his financial decisions. By signing a four-year contract extension valued at approximately $156.5 million, he turned down the opportunity to potentially earn a five-year, $269 million contract as a free agent. His rationale? Ensuring the team has the financial flexibility to build a championship-contending roster around him. "Obviously I'm well off, myself and my family, we're obviously well off, so that's first and foremost. But I want to win. I want to win here," Brunson explained.
His leadership has not gone unnoticed. The Knicks made Brunson the team captain, recognizing his influence on and off the court. In a ceremonial event at Madison Square Garden, attended by former stars including Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing and actor Ben Stiller, Ewing highlighted Brunson’s natural leadership, stating, "People just want to be around you, Jalen. You're a born leader." The event also featured a video narrated by Ewing, which included a nostalgic picture of a young Brunson with Ewing, further cementing his deep-rooted ties to the Knicks. Brunson’s father, Rick Brunson, played for the Knicks during Jalen’s childhood, adding another layer to his connection with the franchise.
On the court, Brunson's performance has been nothing short of exceptional. Last season, he led the team with an impressive 28.7 points per game, ranking fourth in the NBA, and earned his first All-Star selection. His individual accolades include finishing fifth in the MVP voting and becoming the first player since Michael Jordan to record four consecutive postseason games of 40 or more points. Unfortunately, last season came to a premature end for Brunson and the Knicks when he broke his left hand during the second half of their Game 7 loss to the Indiana Pacers in the second round.
Despite the setback, the Knicks have been proactive during the offseason. They signed OG Anunoby to a lucrative five-year deal worth over $210 million, and there are considerations for an extension for Julius Randle. These moves reflect the organization's commitment to surrounding Brunson with the talent needed to compete at the highest level. Reflecting on these decisions, Brunson emphasized the importance of actions over words: "People can say they want to do a lot of things, but it's all about their actions. Obviously, this is no guarantee that we win a championship, right? This is just me wanting to do my part to help this team try and get one. So it's all about the journey and I'm happy to be a part of it."
In seeking inspiration, Brunson looks to iconic sports figures known for their team-first approaches, such as Derek Jeter and Tom Brady. This mentality is evident in his perspective on winning: "Winning trumps everything that I do individually." His belief in the collective effort of the team underscores his primary objective: to win championships with the Knicks.
Brunson’s journey with the Knicks is still in its early stages, yet the impact he has made is already significant. As he himself put it, "This is literally just the beginning." With a combination of strategic roster moves, remarkable individual performances, and a team-first mentality, the future looks promising for the Knicks and their dedicated leader, Jalen Brunson.