In a remarkable turnaround, the New York Knicks have experienced a resurgence unlike any seen in the past quarter-century. Much of this revival can be attributed to Jalen Brunson, who has not only brought his talent and leadership to the team but also made significant personal sacrifices to ensure the Knicks have the flexibility to build a competitive roster around him.
Jalen Brunson’s Impact
Since joining the Knicks, Brunson's influence has been undeniable. He made headlines when he accepted a $113 million discount in potential salary, putting the team’s aspirations ahead of personal gain. Brunson articulated his priorities, stating, "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." His commitment to the team was further solidified when the Knicks made him the team captain.
The Knicks have reaped the benefits of Brunson’s selflessness and leadership, reaching the Eastern Conference semifinals in both seasons since his signing—a feat the franchise had not achieved since 2013. This accomplishment marked the first time the Knicks have won playoff series in back-to-back seasons since their golden era from 1992 to 2000.
Celebrating Excellence
To commemorate Brunson's impact, the Knicks hosted a ceremonial event at Madison Square Garden. The occasion was graced by notable figures, including Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing and actor Ben Stiller. Ewing, who narrated a video at the event, lauded Brunson saying, "People just want to be around you, Jalen. You're a born leader." The video featured a nostalgic picture of a young Brunson with Ewing, creating a symbolic link between past and present Knicks icons.
This sense of continuity is further enriched by Brunson’s familial ties to the Knicks. His father, Rick Brunson, played for the team during Jalen's childhood, making his current role with the franchise all the more meaningful.
Balancing Success and Sacrifice
Despite an impressive career trajectory, Brunson has continually chosen the path of team success over individual accolades. Recently, he signed a four-year contract extension worth approximately $156.5 million. Had he opted to become a free agent, he could have secured a five-year, $269 million contract. However, Brunson remains steadfast in his commitment to winning, stating, "Winning trumps everything that I do individually."
His performance on the court speaks volumes. Last season, Brunson led the team with an average of 28.7 points per game, placing him fourth in the NBA, and earned his first All-Star selection. He also finished fifth in voting for the NBA’s MVP award and became the first player since Michael Jordan to record four straight postseason games scoring 40 or more points. Unfortunately, his season ended prematurely when he broke his left hand during the second half of their Game 7 loss to the Indiana Pacers in the second round.
Team Building and Future Prospects
The Knicks have also made strategic moves to bolster their roster. In the offseason, they signed OG Anunoby to a five-year deal worth over $210 million. Furthermore, the team is considering an extension for Julius Randle, highlighting their commitment to building a solid and competitive team around Brunson.
Brunson takes inspiration from sports legends Derek Jeter and Tom Brady regarding team-first attitudes. Reflecting on his choices, he said, "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." He remains optimistic and forward-looking, emphasizing, "This is literally just the beginning."
With Brunson at the helm, the Knicks are poised for continued success and possibly even greater achievements. His blend of leadership, skill, and selfless dedication has reinvigorated a storied franchise, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting chapter in New York Knicks history.