Breaking: Knicks Make Major Announcement After Star’s Illustrious Season
On Tuesday, the New York Knicks announced that they have appointed Jalen Brunson as the team’s new captain. Brunson, who was a second-round pick, becomes only the fourth player in that category to earn this honor and the 36th captain in franchise history. He is also the first Knicks captain since Lance Thomas in the 2018-19 season.
Knicks president Leon Rose shared a statement expressing pride in this decision:
“The New York Knicks have a deep and storied history and today we are immensely proud to add to that lineage by naming Jalen Brunson as our captain. Jalen is a natural-born leader, and I am confident he will continue to represent our organization, fans, city, and his teammates with the same heart, grit, and class that he has displayed each and every day since he came to New York.”
Last season, Brunson emerged as a star and gained significant popularity. His scoring prowess and skill on the court have captivated fans, but his rise is about more than just flashy plays and impressive stats.
Knicks Make Major Announcement After Jalen Brunson’s Illustrious Season
Jalen Brunson’s leadership has been evident throughout his time with the Knicks. He frequently steps up to secure victories for New York. In the 2023-24 season, Brunson tied with then-Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray for ninth in total clutch points during the regular season, with 106. In the playoffs, he led all players with 49 clutch points, significantly ahead of the second-place finisher, Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving, by a 19-point margin.
Jalen Brunson Named 36th Captain in Franchise History pic.twitter.com/D94U5h43JL
— NY_KnicksPR (@NY_KnicksPR) August 6, 2024
Brunson’s clutch performances were particularly notable given the circumstances, as fellow All-Star Julius Randle was limited due to a dislocated shoulder suffered in late January. Randle played only 46 games during the 2023-24 season. Brunson’s ability and determination to step up in Randle’s absence solidified his reputation as a top-tier player.
Rings Over Money
Jalen Brunson’s decision to sign an economical contract extension with the Knicks further highlights his leadership and team-oriented mindset.
While it’s understandable that teammates like OG Anunoby and former teammate Isaiah Hartenstein pursued the largest contracts available, given the lucrative media deals in the league, Brunson’s approach is somewhat rare for a top player. His willingness to accept a more team-friendly deal reflects his dedication to winning a championship and his recognition of the need for a strong supporting cast to achieve that goal.
Brunson’s focus is clearly on building a winning team, and his contract reflects a commitment to putting the team’s success above personal financial gain.