In just three seasons with the New York Knicks, Jalen Brunson has produced countless highlights. But when asked about his favorite moment during a Ronald McDonald House Charities event, he didn’t hesitate:
“My first All-Star announcement.”
That unforgettable night came on February 1, 2024, when Brunson was named an All-Star for the first time in his career. Hours later, he poured in 40 points against the Indiana Pacers, sending Madison Square Garden into a frenzy of MVP chants. The guard was visibly emotional afterward, overwhelmed by the culmination of his long journey.
From Overlooked Prospect to Rising Star
Brunson’s path to stardom wasn’t straightforward. After a decorated college career at Villanova — where he captured two national titles — he was drafted 33rd overall by the Dallas Mavericks in 2018. Early on, he was pegged as a role player.
But in the 2021-22 season, he broke through, including a 41-point playoff explosion against the Utah Jazz that helped Dallas reach the Western Conference Finals. Still, that run was his last in Texas. The Knicks swooped in during free agency, signing him to a four-year, $104 million deal many critics initially called an overpay.
Thriving as the Knicks’ Franchise Player
That narrative quickly flipped. By the 2024-25 season, Brunson was firmly established as New York’s go-to option, averaging 26.0 points, 7.3 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per game. He was named Clutch Player of the Year, earned All-NBA Second-Team honors for the second straight season, and became a fan favorite at MSG.
Brunson also delivered in the playoffs, guiding the Knicks to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000. While New York ultimately fell to the Indiana Pacers in six games, it solidified his status as one of the NBA’s elite point guards.
The Road Ahead: A Clearer Path to the Finals
With Tyrese Haliburton sidelined after tearing his Achilles during the 2025 NBA Finals, the Pacers are unlikely to be contenders in 2026. That shift has positioned the Knicks as one of the favorites to win the East.
Brunson, now a two-time All-Star at age 29, isn’t content with past accolades. His message heading into the new season is simple: stay focused, keep working, and deliver for a city that’s embraced him as its leader.
