The New York Knicks made a questionable decision to some during the summer of 2022, signing Jalen Brunson to a four-year, $104 million contract.
Brunson was coming off a breakout playoff performance with the Dallas Mavericks, but few were convinced he was worth the money and that his production would be sustainable.
However, the former Villanova star has hushed those critics and then some, guiding the Knicks to their first NBA Finals appearance in 27 years while unanimously earning the Eastern Conference Finals MVP.
Through Brunson’s tour through New York City, he’s earned MVP votes and was selected to the All-NBA Second Team three different times. He’s also been named the team’s captain.
Though Brunson himself has said he’s not a star and that all he wants to do is win, Knicks coach Mike Brown went as far as to compare Brunson’s demeanor to Tim Duncan and Steph Curry.
“Their quiet strength, all the time, is what they all have in common,” Brown said. “Jalen’s work ethic is off the chart and he makes me adjust because he goes so hard every day. When your leader is that way, it’s easy to be a coach.”
In watching the games, the eye test could easily tell you that Brunson is a superstar. He’s mastered the art of footwork, the pull-up jumper, and the floater, but if you watch closely, he can also bully his opponents in the paint and has a tendency to fend off bigger opponents with the strength of his forearm.
When the Knicks’ offense goes stagnant, Brunson is sometimes relegated to playing hero ball. While it’s helped him win Clutch Player of the Year, it’s not a strategy that will help the Knicks get it done in the playoffs.
Brunson’s willingness to operate less with the ball in his hands has allowed him to serve as a screener in pick-and-roll and away from the ball actions, opening up even more shooting opportunities for him and his teammates. It has also allowed Karl-Anthony Towns to showcase the playmaking skills that don’t often get talked about.
Off the court, Brunson has also backed his sentiment about not being a star and just wanting to win. He took a $113 million pay cut in his next contract, allowing the team to bring in Towns, Mikal Bridges, and give OG Anunoby the contract extension he was seeking.
Each of those players has an important role to play alongside Brunson. Bridges and Anunoby help lock down the perimeter defensively, alongside Josh Hart, while Towns helps space the floor as arguably the best shooting big man of all time. All of these players have found ways to perfectly mesh with each other on the floor, routinely scoring double figures in each game.
Though Brunson consistently scores most of his team’s points, it’s his selfless attitude and his willingness to adjust to his coach’s game plan on the court that have helped the team put together one of the deadliest teams in the league.
After decades of misery, the Knicks have finally found their long-term savior. It wouldn’t be a shock to see him end his Knicks career with multiple rings.
