In a significant development for the New York Knicks, Jalen Brunson has been named the team's captain for the 2024-25 season. Brunson, who signed a team-friendly extension just under two months ago, now holds the prestigious honor of being the 36th captain in the storied history of the franchise.
A Leader on and off the Court
Knicks president Leon Rose shared his confidence in Brunson's leadership abilities, 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 added, "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, 27, had an outstanding season last year, earning his first All-Star nod and securing a spot on the All-NBA Second Team. He led the team with career-high averages of 28.7 points, 6.7 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game. Moreover, his postseason performance was instrumental in the Knicks reaching the second round of the playoffs, where he averaged an impressive 32.4 points and 7.5 assists per game.
A Commitment to Team Success
In a move that underscores his commitment to the team's long-term success, Brunson recently signed a four-year, $156.5 million contract extension, leaving over $100 million on the table. This decision provides the Knicks with much-needed financial flexibility to build a competitive team around him.
The offseason saw the Knicks making significant moves to bolster their roster. OG Anunoby re-signed with the team, and the Knicks orchestrated a trade to acquire Mikal Bridges. These additions are expected to strengthen the team as they aim to build on last season's success. However, the team will need to navigate injuries, with Julius Randle having missed the postseason and Josh Hart currently recovering from an injury. Brunson himself underwent surgery in May to repair a broken hand, but he is expected to return strong for the new season.
Challenges and Expectations
The Knicks' aspirations are high as they head into the new season. With the Boston Celtics as the reigning champions in the Eastern Conference, the competition is fierce. However, the leadership of Jalen Brunson, combined with the team's strategic roster moves, puts the Knicks in a favorable position to contend.
As the new captain, Brunson steps into a role filled with responsibility and expectation. Yet, his performance over the past season and his evident dedication to the team's success suggest he is more than ready for the challenge. The Knicks' faithful will undoubtedly rally behind their new leader, hopeful that this marks the beginning of a new and prosperous era for the franchise.