In a remarkable turnaround, the New York Knicks have achieved a resurgence unseen in the past quarter-century, thanks largely to the influential presence of Jalen Brunson. The point guard’s commitment to the team and his willingness to take a financial hit have set a foundation for a promising future.
Brunson's sacrifice is notable. Opting for a contract that allowed the Knicks financial flexibility, he has reportedly given up approximately $113 million in potential earnings. This sacrifice was influenced by his desire to see the team build a competitive roster around him, a clear testament to his team-first attitude. Reflecting on his decision, Brunson stated, "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."
This dedication and leadership did not go unnoticed. The Knicks made Brunson the team captain, a role in which he has thrived, leading the team to the Eastern Conference semifinals in consecutive seasons—a feat they hadn’t achieved since 2013. Brunson’s impact has restored a sense of pride and optimism reminiscent of the Knicks’ golden era from 1992 to 2000, during which they also won playoff series in back-to-back seasons.
To celebrate Brunson’s contributions, Madison Square Garden hosted a ceremonial event attended by former stars, including Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing and actor Ben Stiller. Ewing, who narrated a video that included a touching image of a young Brunson with him, praised the point guard, saying, "People just want to be around you, Jalen. You're a born leader."
Brunson’s connection to the Knicks runs deep. His father, Rick Brunson, played for the Knicks during Jalen’s childhood, further cementing his bond with the team. By signing a four-year contract extension worth approximately $156.5 million, Brunson doubled down on his commitment to the franchise. He could have sought a more lucrative deal as a free agent, valued at around $269 million over five years, but chose stability and loyalty instead. "I think about every decision that I make and I'm completely comfortable with what I've done," he said.
His leadership and on-court prowess have been undeniable. Last season, Brunson averaged an impressive 28.7 points per game, placing him fourth in the NBA and earning him his first All-Star selection. This performance also saw him finish fifth in voting for the NBA’s MVP award. Highlighting his scoring ability, Brunson became the first player since Michael Jordan to record four consecutive postseason games with 40 or more points. His season, however, was abruptly curtailed when he broke his left hand during Game 7 of their second-round loss to the Indiana Pacers.
Looking ahead, the Knicks have made significant moves to bolster their roster. This offseason, they signed OG Anunoby to a five-year deal worth over $210 million. There are also considerations for an extension for Julius Randle, further emphasizing their commitment to building a championship-caliber team. Brunson has sought inspiration from sports legends Derek Jeter and Tom Brady, adopting their team-centric philosophies. "Winning trumps everything that I do individually," he said, underscoring his ultimate goal.
Despite the setbacks and challenges, Brunson’s vision remains clear and ambitious. "People can say they want to do a lot of things, but it's all about their actions," he remarked. "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."
Indeed, his influence and dedication signal a promising new chapter for the Knicks. "This is literally just the beginning," Brunson declared, and with his leadership, the team appears poised for continued success and potentially a return to NBA glory.