In a resurgence that fans and analysts alike are calling unprecedented, the New York Knicks have positioned themselves as serious contenders, thanks largely to the remarkable impact of Jalen Brunson. Achieving feats not seen in over a decade, the Knicks have reached the Eastern Conference semifinals in consecutive seasons since Brunson's arrival, harking back to their glory days from 1992 to 2000 when they last won playoff series in back-to-back seasons.
A pivotal moment in Brunson's tenure with the Knicks came when he agreed to a four-year contract extension worth approximately $156.5 million, far below the potential five-year, $269 million contract he could have commanded as a free agent. This commitment ensures the Knicks have the flexibility to build a competitive roster around him. "I think about every decision that I make and I'm completely comfortable with what I've done," Brunson said.
A Born Leader
The value Brunson brings to the team is not just in his on-court prowess but his leadership qualities that have earned him the captaincy. "People just want to be around you, Jalen. You're a born leader," Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing remarked at a ceremonial event at Madison Square Garden celebrating Brunson's contributions to the team. This sentiment is echoed by fans and teammates who see Brunson as a pivotal figure in the Knicks' resurgence.
Brunson's leadership is evident in other ways. Emulating icons like Derek Jeter and Tom Brady, he has adopted a team-first attitude. "Winning trumps everything that I do individually," he says, a motto that has guided his actions both on and off the court. That focus on collective success over personal achievement makes his decision to accept a salary discount even more significant. "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."
Unprecedented Upswing
The numbers back up Brunson’s influence. He led the team with an impressive 28.7 points per game last season, ranking fourth in the NBA and earning his first All-Star selection. Such stellar performance saw him finish fifth in the voting for the NBA’s MVP award. In a postseason run reminiscent of legends, Brunson became the first player since Michael Jordan to record four straight postseason games of 40 or more points.
This resurgence has not happened in isolation. The Knicks signed OG Anunoby to a five-year deal worth more than $210 million during the offseason, further bolstering their lineup. Talks are ongoing for an extension for Julius Randle, indicating the team’s commitment to maintaining a strong core.
A Celebrated Legacy
One of the most emotional moments in Brunson's journey came during the MSG ceremony when Patrick Ewing narrated a video that included a picture of a young Brunson with him. It was a full-circle moment for Jalen, whose father Rick Brunson played for the Knicks during Jalen’s childhood. "This is literally just the beginning," Brunson remarked, reflecting a sense of continuity and new beginnings.
The past season ended on a bittersweet note for Brunson, who broke his left hand during the second half of their Game 7 loss to the Indiana Pacers in the second round. Yet, his outlook remains optimistic. “People can say they want to do a lot of things, but it’s all about their actions,” he stated. “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.”
It’s clear that Brunson views his journey with the Knicks as far from over. With a young, talented roster, an eye for strategic signings, and a leader willing to sacrifice to achieve collective success, the Knicks seem well-positioned for the future. Indeed, for Brunson and the Knicks, the journey is just beginning, and fans can only hope that it leads to the ultimate prize—a championship.