After a remarkable postseason run and signing one of the most team-friendly contracts in the NBA, Jalen Brunson has been named the 36th captain in New York Knicks history. The Knicks officially announced Brunson’s new role, highlighting his leadership qualities and contributions to the team.
Knicks President Leon Rose’s Announcement
“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,” said Knicks president Leon Rose. “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 day since he came to New York.”
A Historic Contract Extension
Brunson, the first player to be designated team captain since Lance Thomas during the 2018-19 season, recently signed a four-year, $156.5 million extension with the Knicks. This deal came after the team acquired Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets earlier this offseason. Brunson had the option to wait until next offseason for a potentially larger five-year, $269.1 million deal but chose to secure his future with the Knicks now.
Rising Star and Fan Favorite
Since joining the Knicks as a free agent in July 2022, Brunson has quickly become one of the most beloved players in franchise history. He has led the team to back-to-back appearances in the Eastern Conference semifinals, breaking a nine-season drought without advancing past the first round.
Last season, Brunson posted career-highs with an average of 28.7 points per game and 6.7 assists in 77 starts. He finished fifth in MVP voting, the highest by a Knicks player since Carmelo Anthony’s third-place finish in the 2012-13 season. In the postseason, he elevated his performance even further, averaging 32.4 points and 7.5 assists in 13 games and becoming the fourth player in NBA history to score at least 40 points in four consecutive playoff games.
Despite a heartbreaking end to the 2023-24 season, with injuries to key players including Brunson, optimism is high for the Knicks going into the next season. Brunson’s leadership and talent are central to the team’s hopes of returning to the NBA Finals for the first time since the 1998-99 season. Surrounded by a strong supporting cast, Brunson aims to guide the Knicks to new heights.
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