Over the past two seasons, the New York Knicks have experienced a resurgence that hasn't been seen in over two decades. Central to this revival is Jalen Brunson, who made an immediate impact since his arrival, both on and off the court.
Brunson, who signed with the Knicks, has proven to be a game-changer not just by his performance but also by demonstrating a unique team-first mentality. In an era where star athletes often chase the highest possible contract, Brunson took a different route, effectively giving the Knicks a financial boost by accepting a $113 million discount to enable the team to build a stronger roster.
This unselfish act allowed the Knicks to achieve something they hadn’t done since 2013—reach the Eastern Conference semifinals in back-to-back seasons. Led by Brunson, the Knicks secured consecutive playoff series victories, a feat reminiscent of their golden era from 1992 to 2000.
Such feats necessitated celebration, and Madison Square Garden recently hosted a ceremonial event in Brunson's honor. Among the attendees were former Knicks stars, including Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing. Ewing, who narrated a tribute video during the event, praised Brunson's leadership, stating, "People just want to be around you, Jalen. You're a born leader." The video even featured a nostalgic photo of a young Brunson with Ewing, underscoring the deep-rooted connection between Brunson's family and the Knicks.
Jalen Brunson's father, Rick Brunson, once donned the Knicks jersey, allowing young Jalen to grow up around the team. This connection has now come full circle, as Brunson has become the face of the franchise, recently signing a four-year contract extension worth approximately $156.5 million. Although he could have pursued a more lucrative deal worth up to $269 million as a free agent, Brunson chose loyalty and team success over financial gain. Reflecting on his decision, Brunson said, "I think about every decision that I make and I'm completely comfortable with what I've done."
His commitment to the team is reflected not just in his words but in his actions, as he consistently prioritizes team success over individual accolades. "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 emphasized, illustrating his dedication to bringing a championship to New York. He added, "Winning trumps everything that I do individually."
Last season, Brunson led the Knicks with an impressive 28.7 points per game, placing fourth in the NBA scoring rankings and earning his first All-Star selection. He even finished fifth in the voting for the NBA’s MVP award and became the first player since Michael Jordan to record four consecutive postseason games of 40 or more points. Unfortunately, his stellar season was cut short when he broke his left hand during the second half of their Game 7 loss to the Indiana Pacers in the second round.
Despite the disappointment, Brunson's focus remains firmly on the future. He draws inspiration from legendary athletes like Derek Jeter and Tom Brady, adopting their team-first attitudes. "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 remarked, conveying his commitment to the team's long-term success.
In a strategic move during the offseason, the Knicks strengthened their roster by signing OG Anunoby to a five-year deal worth more than $210 million. With discussions underway for a potential extension for Julius Randle, the Knicks are focused on creating a formidable team around their captain, Jalen Brunson.
Brunson’s impact on and off the court has invigorated the Knicks and their fanbase. As he aptly puts it, "This is literally just the beginning." The resurgence of the New York Knicks is a testament to leadership, sacrifice, and a commitment to team success, and Jalen Brunson is at the heart of it all.