Jalen Brunson has been named the New York Knicks' captain for the 2024-25 season, leading on the heels of an impressive individual campaign and a franchise-defining postseason. The appointment marks the 27-year-old point guard as the 36th captain in the Knicks' storied history.
Brunson's appointment follows a period of significant personal and professional milestones. He earned his first All-Star nod and secured a spot on the All-NBA Second Team, boasting career-high averages of 28.7 points, 6.7 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game this past season. His performance in the postseason was equally stellar, with averages of 32.4 points and 7.5 assists per game, propelling the Knicks to the second round of the playoffs.
Leadership on and off the Court
Knicks president Leon Rose expressed immense pride in naming Brunson as captain, highlighting his leadership qualities. "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 stated. "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."
Brunson's commitment to the team extends beyond his on-court performances. Less than two months ago, he signed a four-year, $156.5 million contract extension, a deal that is notably team-friendly. By leaving over $100 million on the table, Brunson provided the Knicks with financial flexibility to make additional moves in the offseason.
Building for the Future
The Knicks have taken full advantage of this flexibility, re-signing OG Anunoby and orchestrating a trade for Mikal Bridges. These moves are part of a broader strategy to build a team capable of contending with the best in the league, including the reigning Eastern Conference champions, the Boston Celtics.
Injuries have been a hurdle for the Knicks, with Julius Randle missing the entire postseason and Josh Hart currently recovering from an injury. Brunson himself underwent surgery in May to repair a broken hand, yet his commitment and leadership remain unwavering.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Brunson to see how he steers a team brimming with potential amidst the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. With his recent accolades and leadership qualities, Brunson seems poised to lead the Knicks to new heights.