Establishing themselves as a competitive force in the NBA once more, the New York Knicks made a pivotal move by signing Jalen Brunson in 2022. Brunson has since emerged as both a franchise superstar and the new face of the team.
Throughout the 2023-24 season, Brunson’s impact propelled the Knicks to the top tier of the Eastern Conference, generating excitement around the team as they prepared for the playoffs.
However, their playoff run came to an end in a grueling seven-game series against the Indiana Pacers, with injuries playing an important role. Brunson’s hand injury during the decisive game only added to the team’s challenges.
Brunson’s stellar performance last season placed him in the NBA MVP conversation, a remarkable achievement given the intense scrutiny that comes with playing in New York. Despite his standout year, Brunson recently expressed disappointment over not being invited to join Team USA for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
“Yeah, for sure. The way I played last year, I thought I was deserving. I thought I could have fit in. I’ve played many roles throughout my career; I could play another. But obviously, it just wasn’t in the cards at that time. And so, you move on, and you find ways to get better. You keep having goals, and that’s a goal of mine. I want to play next time,” Brunson shared in an interview with NBA Central.
Brunson’s ability to turn setbacks into motivation will undoubtedly fuel his drive for the upcoming season. With the Knicks also acquiring Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns during the offseason, the team is now generating buzz as a potential title contender. If everything aligns, and Brunson maintains his leadership, New York could finally meet those lofty expectations.