The New York Knicks have ushered in a new chapter by naming Jalen Brunson as their captain for the 2024-25 season. Brunson, who has quickly established himself as a fan favorite and a critical piece of the Knicks' future, becomes the 36th captain in the storied history of the franchise.
Brunson's ascent to the captaincy is rooted in his standout performances and leadership qualities. The 27-year-old guard had a stellar season, earning his first All-Star selection and securing a spot on the All-NBA Second Team. Averaging career highs of 28.7 points, 6.7 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game, Brunson was integral in leading the Knicks to the second round of the playoffs. His postseason averages of 32.4 points and 7.5 assists per game further highlighted his ability to perform under pressure.
The decision to name Brunson as captain follows a series of significant events in his career and the team's dynamics. Less than two months ago, Brunson signed a four-year, $156.5 million contract extension, a deal that was considered team-friendly due to Brunson leaving over $100 million on the table. This move was aimed at providing the Knicks with financial flexibility, an indication of Brunson's commitment to the team's success.
The Knicks' president, Leon Rose, expressed his admiration for Brunson's qualities, stating, "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." Rose continued, "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."
The offseason has been a busy one for the Knicks, with significant moves shaping the roster. OG Anunoby re-signed with the team, and the Knicks orchestrated a trade to acquire Mikal Bridges. However, the team has also had to navigate injuries. Julius Randle missed the postseason due to injury, and Josh Hart is currently recovering. Brunson himself underwent surgery in May to repair a broken hand, an obstacle that he has since overcome.
With Brunson at the helm, the Knicks are looking to build on their recent successes. Under his leadership, the team aims to challenge the reigning Eastern Conference champions, the Boston Celtics, in their quest for an NBA title. Brunson's leadership and performance will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the Knicks' pursuit of excellence.
As the Knicks prepare for the upcoming season, the organization and its fans can take solace in knowing that they have a captain who embodies the qualities of dedication, sacrifice, and leadership. Jalen Brunson's journey with the Knicks is a testament to his hard work and commitment, and his new role as captain signifies a bright future for both him and the team.