In the storied history of the New York Knicks, few resurgences have been as remarkable as the one led by Jalen Brunson over the past two seasons. With an inspiring combination of talent, leadership, and strategic contract decisions, Brunson has reinvigorated a franchise that hadn't seen this level of success in over a decade.
Signing a $113 million discount to provide the Knicks with the flexibility to build a robust roster around him, Brunson has demonstrated a commitment to winning that transcends personal gain. This selflessness and drive haven't gone unnoticed, earning him the title of team captain and the respect of the organization and its legends.
Patrick Ewing, the Knicks' Hall of Famer, perhaps summed up Brunson's impact most succinctly: "People just want to be around you, Jalen. You're a born leader." Indeed, under Brunson's leadership, the Knicks reached the Eastern Conference semifinals in both seasons since his signing—an achievement they hadn't accomplished since 2013. Moreover, they won playoff series in back-to-back seasons, a feat not seen since their golden era from 1992 to 2000.
A recent ceremonial event at Madison Square Garden celebrated Brunson's significant contributions. The star-studded affair saw attendance from former Knicks icons like Ewing and actors such as Ben Stiller. Ewing narrated a poignant video during the event, highlighting a picture of a young Brunson with Ewing himself, drawing emotional connections between past and present generations of Knicks.
Brunson's Knicks legacy is further enriched by family ties, as his father, Rick Brunson, played for the team during Jalen's childhood. This deep-rooted connection to the franchise only adds to his motivation to bring success to New York.
Despite such notable accomplishments, Brunson has remained grounded. "I think about every decision that I make and I'm completely comfortable with what I've done," he said. His recent signing of a four-year contract extension worth around $156.5 million, while less than the potential $269 million he could have earned as a free agent, highlights his unwavering commitment to the team. "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's on-court performance has been as compelling as his off-court decisions. Leading last season’s team with an average of 28.7 points per game, Brunson ranked fourth in the NBA and earned his first All-Star selection. In the voting for the NBA’s MVP award, he managed to secure a commendable fifth-place finish. Notably, he became the first player since Michael Jordan to record four consecutive postseason games with 40 or more points.
Last season, however, ended on a somber note for Brunson when he broke his left hand during the second half of their Game 7 loss to the Indiana Pacers in the second round. Despite this setback, the Knicks are looking ahead with optimism, having signed OG Anunoby to a five-year deal worth more than $210 million during the offseason. Additionally, the team is considering an extension for Julius Randle, indicating a clear intent to build a championship-contending roster.
For Brunson, the journey is far from over. He draws inspiration from sports legends like Derek Jeter and Tom Brady, emphasizing a team-first attitude. "Winning trumps everything that I do individually," he remarked. "This is literally just the beginning." His actions have consistently mirrored his 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."
As the new season approaches, Knicks fans can find solace in knowing that their team is in the hands of a player whose dedication, talent, and leadership are unparalleled. With Brunson at the helm, the future looks promising—this is indeed just the beginning.