Jalen Brunson Named New York Knicks Captain for 2024-25 Season
In a significant move that underscores his growing importance to the franchise, Jalen Brunson has been named the New York Knicks' captain for the 2024-25 season. This announcement was made by Knicks president Leon Rose, who spoke highly of Brunson's leadership qualities and his impact both on and off the court.
"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 said. "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."
At 27 years old, Brunson becomes the 36th captain in the Knicks’ history, stepping into a role recently punctuated by his trailblazing performances. Last season, Brunson earned his first All-Star selection and secured a spot on the All-NBA Second Team. His career-high averages of 28.7 points, 6.7 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game were instrumental in leading the Knicks to the second round of the playoffs.
Moreover, his postseason performance was nothing short of exceptional, as he averaged 32.4 points and 7.5 assists per game, showcasing his ability to step up under pressure. This kind of performance has evidently solidified his standing within the team and boosted his reputation league-wide.
Brunson’s commitment to the Knicks is further cemented by the recent signing of a four-year, $156.5 million contract extension. Notably, this deal was team-friendly; Brunson left over $100 million on the table to give the Knicks financial flexibility—a gesture that underscores his dedication to the team’s long-term success.
The offseason also saw the Knicks re-sign OG Anunoby and orchestrate a trade for Mikal Bridges, moves that signal the franchise's ambition to build on their playoff run and aim higher in the coming season. However, challenges remain, as Julius Randle missed the postseason due to injury and Josh Hart is currently recovering from an injury. Adding to the intrigue, Brunson himself underwent surgery in May to repair a broken hand but is expected to be fully fit for the upcoming season.
The selection of Brunson as captain not only marks a personal milestone but also signifies a pivotal moment for the Knicks as they look to build a cohesive and resilient unit capable of contending in a competitive Eastern Conference, where the reigning champions, the Boston Celtics, set the bar high.
Brunson's leadership will be crucial for a team aiming to overcome both internal and external adversities. With his combination of skill, work ethic, and now official leadership status, Jalen Brunson is poised to guide the New York Knicks to new heights in the 2024-25 season.