It has been a busy offseason for the New York Knicks star point guard. He signed a discount four-year extension worth $156 million which helps ensure his team has the financial flexibility to continue to build the roster. If he waited a year, he would have received substantially more. This week, Jalen Brunson was named Knicks captain. That honor has only been given out 35 times previously in their history. Knicks President Leon Rose described him as a “natural born leader,” which is the perfect way to describe him. Arguably, Jalen Brunson is the leader the Knicks have waited for since Patrick Ewing in the 1990s.
Jalen Brunson Is The Leader The Knicks Have Waited For
Most Important Knick since Ewing?
The Knicks have had a few stars since Ewing left in 2000 after his 15-year run. Arguably, Brunson is the most important Knicks player since Ewing. Coney Island’s Stephon Marbury was a vastly talented street-ball style guard, but the club was a mess behind the scenes. Isiah Thomas ran a show marred with controversy and losing.
After him, it was a long wait until Carmelo Anthony in 2011. The future Hall of Famer, who is 10th all-time on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, didn’t always get the love he deserved in New York. The three-time Olympic gold medalist deserved more credit for putting the franchise on his back. The franchise experienced mostly a decade-plus of irrelevance before him. Melo had plenty of playoff moments, plus his 62-point game against Charlotte remains a MSG scoring record. His legacy was tarnished by Phil Jackson‘s decisions as Knicks president, resembling that of a saboteur.
Much-Needed Stability
If your coach and front office aren’t in sync, it affects the product on the court. Stability allowed this current team to develop. Julius Randle‘s developed into a star. An All-Star in 2020-21, he was easily the team’s best player, leading them to the playoffs averaging 24 points and 10 boards. He’s had two better statistical years since then, embracing the culture and city. He helped to change the way the Knicks were viewed around the league, which was furthered with the addition of Brunson.
Without question, Brunson has benefitted from stability around him. Leon Rose and Tom Thibodeau brought much-needed stability and talent. The “Nova Knicks” is part of the reason that the team has so much camaraderie. Moreover, Brunson has likely led this team better than all those prior names. With his heart, selflessness, and determination, Brunson has transcended that of merely just being the Knicks star player.
Jalen Brunson Is Now The Knicks Captain
It’s fitting that since being named captain, Ewing sent a message congratulating him. He also received video messages of congratulations from iconic New York Yankees captains Derek Jeter and Aaron Judge. Brunson would likely credit his father Rick Brunson (a Knicks assistant coach) for instilling discipline and work ethic at a young age. Brunson has worked incredibly hard at his craft.
He fell to the second round in the 2018 NBA Draft to the Dallas Mavericks. He had a sixth-man role for a time, but he continued to work at his craft tirelessly. Brunson is not the tallest or fastest player, but you can’t teach the heart he possesses. His array of moves and jaw-dropping footwork, make him arguably the most feared guard in the Eastern Conference.
Brunson’s original signing with the Knicks was doubted around the league, amazingly. Instead of developing a chip on his shoulder, Brunson only worked harder and with a classy demeanor. His hard work has surely paid off. He is coming off a sensational year where he was an All-Star, made the All-NBA Second Team, and finished fourth in the NBA in scoring with 28.7 points per game. Even more impressive than those huge numbers, he’s been unstoppable in the playoffs. Averaging 32.4 points per outing in the playoffs has set him apart from Randle, who has struggled massively in the postseason to date.
What stands out most of all is the class that Brunson brings. He holds himself accountable at all times and only cares about the team’s success. Carmelo was often criticized for not having that mentality. Brunson is the most accountable, often when he doesn’t need to be. He played much of the Indiana Pacers series on one leg and still put up 30+ points per game before breaking his hand.
What Does His Captaincy and Extension Mean Moving Forward?
First off, Brunson’s extension continues to provide stability. By being named captain along with his discount extension, there will be no questions with his future. He has said himself that he sees himself retiring as a Knick. That kind of stability is huge when it comes to team building. The task is now to continue to build the right roster around him. Next up are the extensions for Mikal Bridges and Randle.
As a result of happily extending his deal and not taking more money next year, it allows the Knicks to avoid the second apron tax in future seasons which will allow the Knicks flexibility to build around him now and in the future.
Adam Silver put these financial penalties in place to end the ‘superteam’ approach to team building that was monopolizing the league and free agency. Now, there is a greater emphasis on team building as a whole. Going above the second apron would essentially stop the Knicks from being able to make trades for bigger contracts than offering to go the other way. They would be restricted to league-minimum signings.
With that in mind, Brunson is the leader the Knicks have waited for because he’s truly about the team. For instance, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Brunson looked at how Tom Brady and Derek Jeter worked their contracts to allow flexibility for their franchises to be contenders. Many around the league were shocked he didn’t take the option to wait a further 12 months and make $253 million. Yet Brunson was perfectly content, he’s happy and at home in New York, and he wants to win. Period. By taking a discount, he’s allowed his team the flexibility to build around him and have a shot at the Knicks first championship since 1973.
