The New York Knicks might not have secured a championship in over half a century, but they've certainly blessed the NBA with some iconic players. After years of waiting for another standout star, Knicks fans found their hero in Jalen Brunson , who has become a bona fide MVP candidate and has quickly become a fan favorite over his two seasons with the team.
Recently, No. 11 was in the spotlight again, this time for his leadership skills. He was officially named the 36th captain in the history of the franchise, a move that acknowledges his influence on and off the court.
Looking at his stats, it’s easy to see why Brunson has become such a central figure. As a Knick, he's averaging 26.5 points, 6.5 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game on 40.7% shooting from the three-point line. When the time came to discuss a contract extension, it was no surprise that the point guard was more than willing to continue his journey with the team.
“It’s kinda simple. I want to be here,” Brunson said on the “Roommates Show.” “I want to show that actions speak louder than just talking about stuff. I want this team to be together for a long time. I want to win here. That’s it.”
A Knick through and through
Brunson is loved all over New York — not just for joining the Knicks but for committing long-term. He turned down a potential $100 million payday elsewhere to remain the Knicks’ leading star.
In a move that surely won’t go unnoticed by fans, he signed a four-year extension worth $156.5 million, announced by the team in mid-July. This decision was anticipated given the buzz around Brunson’s extension eligibility, but the financial angle still raised a few eyebrows.
At 27, the point guard could have played the free agency game next summer, aiming for a lucrative five-year deal potentially worth around $270 million. Instead, he chose to remain the heart of the Knicks, a decision that speaks volumes about his commitment to the team and the city.
“The process was simple,” Brunson added. “I mean, let’s be blunt and honest. It was the most money I can get at this point in time, and obviously, it made the most sense.”
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The future of the franchise
Since joining the Knicks a couple of years ago, JB has been a true leader on and off the court. He’s not just playing the game—he’s also showing his willingness to make sacrifices for the team. By signing that team-friendly deal, he has relieved some of the Knicks' cap issues and helped them dodge a luxury-tax threshold in the league, which can seriously limit a team’s ability to build a competitive roster.
The Villanova product’s financial sacrifice is a big step toward strengthening the Knicks' roster and staying clear of the punitive second apron outlined in the current CBA. But to truly reach their goals during the Brunson era, the Knicks will need more than just one player to step up. They’ll need sacrifices from players across the roster to get close to winning a championship.
Last season, New York nailed its first 50-win season since 2013, clinching the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. In the playoffs, they took down the Philadelphia 76ers in six hard-fought games during the first round. Unfortunately, their run ended with the Indiana Pacers taking advantage of the team’s numerous injuries. With Brunson leading as captain and an exciting roster, it can only get better for the Knicks.
Related: Carmelo Anthony explains the meteoritic rise of Jalen Brunson in NY: "This is Broadway, I gotta perform every single night"
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