In what has been nothing short of a basketball renaissance, the New York Knicks have experienced a resurgence unlike any in the past quarter-century. This revival has largely been spearheaded by the magnetic leadership and selfless dedication of Jalen Brunson. In a move that speaks volumes about his character and commitment, Brunson left $113 million on the table in potential salary to ensure the team had the flexibility to assemble a competitive roster around him.
This sacrifice, combined with his steadfast leadership, earned Brunson the team captaincy, a role he has embraced with open arms. His immediate impact on the team has been nothing short of transformational, catapulting the Knicks to the Eastern Conference semifinals in both seasons since his arrival—a feat not achieved since 2013. Furthermore, the Knicks have won playoff series in back-to-back seasons for the first time since their golden era from 1992 to 2000.
To commemorate his tremendous influence on the franchise, Madison Square Garden recently hosted a ceremonial event in Brunson's honor. The occasion was graced by the presence of former Knicks stars, including Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing and actor Ben Stiller. In a heartfelt gesture, Ewing narrated a video at the event, which included a touching photograph of a young Brunson with Ewing. This event highlighted not only Brunson’s impact but also the deep-rooted connections he has with the organization; his father, Rick Brunson, played for the Knicks during Jalen's childhood.
Despite his significant contributions and leadership, Jalen Brunson remains focused on team success over individual accolades. He recently signed a four-year contract extension worth approximately $156.5 million, even though he could have tested the free agency waters for a potentially lucrative five-year, $269 million deal. "People just want to be around you, Jalen. You're a born leader," said Ewing, encapsulating the sentiment surrounding Brunson.
Brunson's individual performances have been nothing short of stellar. He led last season's team with 28.7 points per game, ranking fourth in the NBA, and earned his first All-Star selection. His remarkable efforts also saw him finish fifth in voting for the NBA's MVP award. Additionally, Brunson etched his name alongside one of the game’s greats, Michael Jordan, by becoming the first player since Jordan to record four straight postseason games of 40 or more points. Nonetheless, last season ended on a somber note with Brunson breaking his left hand during the second half of their Game 7 loss to the Indiana Pacers in the second round.
The Knicks have displayed their commitment to building a strong team around Brunson by signing OG Anunoby to a five-year deal worth more than $210 million during the offseason. There are also considerations in place for extending Julius Randle's contract. Brunson’s mindset, however, is firmly team-oriented. “I think about every decision that I make and I'm completely comfortable with what I've done," he said. "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."
Drawing inspiration from legendary figures like Derek Jeter and Tom Brady, Brunson has cultivated a team-first attitude that resonates throughout the Knicks' locker room. "Winning trumps everything that I do individually," he emphasized, reinforcing his belief in collective success over personal glory. "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 Knicks and Jalen Brunson look to the future, one thing is clear: this is merely the beginning of a potentially historic chapter for the franchise. "This is literally just the beginning," Brunson declared, a statement filled with optimism and the promise of more thrilling seasons to come.