In a remarkable turnaround, the New York Knicks have risen to become a formidable force in the NBA, buoyed by the extraordinary contributions of Jalen Brunson. The team, which has struggled for prominence over the past twenty-five years, finds itself in unfamiliar but exhilarating territory. Integral to this resurgence is Brunson, who has emerged as a cornerstone of the team’s success.
Since his signing, Jalen Brunson has been more than just a player for the Knicks; he's been a leader and an inspiration. Designated team captain, Brunson has shown a level of commitment and selflessness rare in professional sports. By accepting a contract worth $113 million less than his potential market value, Brunson has afforded the Knicks the flexibility to build a competitive roster around him, a gesture that has not gone unnoticed by fans and teammates alike.
“People just want to be around you, Jalen. You're a born leader,” said Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing, echoing the sentiment of many in the organization. The presence of former Knicks legend Ewing and actor Ben Stiller at a celebratory event in Madison Square Garden underscored the significance of Brunson’s impact. Ewing narrated a video during the event that included a nostalgic image of a young Brunson with Ewing, a full-circle moment given that Brunson’s father, Rick Brunson, also played for the Knicks during Jalen’s childhood.
Brunson's influence isn't confined to the locker room; his on-court performance has been nothing short of stellar. Leading the team with an average of 28.7 points per game last season, Brunson ranked fourth in scoring across the entire NBA and earned his first All-Star selection. His prowess propelled the Knicks to back-to-back playoff series victories, a feat not seen since the team’s golden years from 1992 to 2000. Last season ended prematurely for Brunson when he broke his left hand during the second half of Game 7 against the Indiana Pacers. Despite the unfortunate injury, Brunson finished fifth in voting for the NBA’s MVP award, further solidifying his elite status.
Brunson’s dedication to the team's long-term success is evident in his recent actions. Opting to sign a four-year extension worth approximately $156.5 million, Brunson turned down a potential five-year, $269 million contract that he could have pursued as a free agent. “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. This sentiment has reinforced his reputation as a team-first player, embodying the same spirit of dedication that he admires in sports legends like Derek Jeter and Tom Brady.
The Knicks are not resting on their laurels and have made strategic moves to bolster their roster. During the offseason, they signed OG Anunoby to a five-year deal worth more than $210 million. Additionally, the organization is considering an extension for Julius Randle, showing their commitment to building a championship-contending team around Brunson.
Ewing’s words at the Madison Square Garden event encapsulated the essence of Brunson’s leadership: "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." Brunson’s approach resonates with fans and teammates, setting a standard for what it means to be a leader both on and off the court.
Looking forward, everyone within the Knicks organization and its fanbase believes that under Brunson’s stewardship, this is merely the beginning of a renewed era of success. “This is literally just the beginning," Brunson stated, a declaration that encapsulates the promising future ahead for the Knicks.
With the foundation laid and a young, talented roster in place, the New York Knicks and their fans can dream of sustained success and, perhaps, an elusive NBA Championship. The journey ahead will undoubtedly be challenging, but with Jalen Brunson at the helm, anything seems possible.