The New York Knicks have announced Jalen Brunson as their new captain, marking the team's first captain in six years. Brunson, who joined the Knicks in 2022, has quickly emerged as a key leader within the team. This decision was made official on Tuesday, making Brunson the 36th captain in the franchise's history, succeeding Lance Thomas who held the position during the 2018-19 season.
Knicks President Leon Rose praised Brunson's leadership qualities, describing him as a 'natural born leader.' Rose expressed confidence in Brunson's ability to continue representing the organization, fans, city, and teammates with the same level of heart, grit, and class that he has consistently demonstrated since his arrival in New York.
Brunson's impact on the team has been significant, leading the Knicks to the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs in both of his seasons with the team following his move from Dallas. His impressive performance last season, where he averaged 28.7 points per game, earned him his first All-Star selection and placed him fifth in the NBA MVP voting.
Notably, Brunson now joins a select group of second-round picks who have served as captains for the Knicks. This list includes legendary figures such as Willis Reed, the Hall of Fame center who was affectionately known as 'The Captain' for his exceptional leadership on and off the court.
