New York, NY – In a move that signals their confidence in the rising star, the New York Knicks have officially named Jalen Brunson as their team captain. The announcement, made on Tuesday, marks the end of a six-year captaincy void for the franchise, with Brunson becoming the 36th captain in Knicks history.
Since joining the Knicks in 2022, Brunson has quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the team. His leadership on and off the court has been instrumental in the Knicks’ resurgence, culminating in back-to-back playoff appearances. Last season was particularly impressive for Brunson, as he averaged 28.7 points per game, earning his first All-Star selection and finishing fifth in MVP voting.
Knicks President Leon Rose expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment, stating that Brunson is a “natural born leader” who embodies the spirit of the organization. “We are immensely proud to add to our storied franchise by naming Jalen Brunson as our captain,” Rose said in a statement. “He will continue to represent our organization, fans, city, and teammates with the same heart, grit, and class he has shown since arriving in New York.”
Interestingly, Brunson joins an exclusive club as only the fourth second-round draft pick to captain the Knicks. His name will be mentioned alongside legendary figures like Willis Reed, who was famously nicknamed “The Captain.”
As the Knicks look to build on their recent success and contend for an NBA championship, having a strong leader like Jalen Brunson at the helm is undoubtedly a positive step forward.