Jalen Brunson's Empire State Takeover: Why the Knicks Finally Have a True Franchise Leader
By Edcel Panganiban October 15, 2025 09:57
When Jalen Brunson managed to score a three-pointer in the final seconds of the game against the Detroit Pistons, the feeling was that we're witnessing something more than just a tight game. It felt like the Knicks finally had a player who would thrive when the team needed it most.
For a long time, the Knicks have had a talented roster and many stars who come and go, but they need a true franchise leader. In this article, we'll try to prove why Brunson is the leader and how it will affect the team.
The Void before Brunson
Things have been tough for the Knicks for a while. There's a lot of legacy to live up to, the media tends to be tough on the team, and something has been missing from the roster itself. Many experts, such as those at Webopedia, have noted that a team usually needs "the guy" who will be the cornerstone of the roster and motivate the other players.
The Knicks didn't have one. When Brunson arrived on the team in 2022, there was a feeling that the fans were hungry for wins, but also for more cohesion amongst the roster.
Early Sings
The expectations early on were actually quite modest, but there were early signs that we're looking at a special player. He's been a strong guard in Dallas, and everyone agreed that the transfer is a good deal, but no one expected Brunson to have such a transformative role.
The teammates immediately noticed that Brunson is a good scorer, but also that he's able to calm the team down when they need it and to defuse tensions when focus is of utmost importance. Tyler Kolek was the first to point it out in a public interview.
The Performance
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When it comes to all of these features, Brunson has delivered. In the 2024–25 season, he averaged 26.0 points and 7.3 assists per game in 65 appearances. He received the NBA's Clutch Player of the Year award for a player who delivers in the closing moments of the game. Over the season, he averaged 5.6 points per game in "clutch" situations. The Knicks were at 17–11 in those tight contests.
Symbolic and Strategic
There are also qualities a player can have and need to have that can't be measured in statistics. In August of 2024, I became the team captain, largely because of those qualities. He also signed a $156.5 million extension that year. The insiders claim that, at a later date, Brunson could have doubled that.
As one insider has put it, "The Knicks go as Brunson does." Those who know him say a calm, commanding demeanor doesn't stop on the court. These qualities have given the team the confidence it needed and improved its overall performance.
A Star Built for New York
Teams often have a style of their own that's difficult to put into words and that fans are aware of. Jalen Brunson is a star that fits into such a style for the Knicks. He's a player who shows up, puts in the work, and isn't flashy about his abilities or success. This appeals to the fans.
Brunson was born in 1996, and there's a good chance he'll remain with the Knicks for the remainder of his career. Those should also be his best years in terms of tactical ability, if not athleticism.
The Challenges Ahead
There are challenges for the team and for Brunson, as there are for any team leader. Most of these are about the long-term issues the team was facing, but some could come from unexpected sources, such as injuries and decisions made by the franchise.
The main challenge will come from the opposing team devising strategies to limit Brunson. Those who manage to do so will have an advantage over the rest of the team.
Finding players with complementary skills, rather than clogging a few positions, is also an ongoing challenge.
The Knicks have parted ways with Tom Thibodeau. The change comes after five seasons and therefore poses a challenge for everyone. Mike Brown, the new coach, is, in many ways, the right man for the job, but the change will be an additional challenge for Brunson, who wants to maintain his influence on the team.
There's also a matter of expectation which is now pressuring Brunson to deliver, and that could make or break a player.
Legacy & Comparisons
There are a few names from the Knicks' history that are compared to Brunson, and such comparisons are tempting, but it's important to remember that context matters. Patrick Ewing, Willis Reed, and Walt Frazier played similar roles on the team, but at different times.
The first goal is to guide the Knicks towards playoff success and, if luck allows, sustained success. Many would also like to see them go for a title someday, but that's still far ahead. It's not out of the realm of possibility for a player who has already redefined expectations so many times.
To Sum Up
For decades, the Knicks have cycled through talented rosters and short-lived stars, but they needed a leader on the court. It seems that they've found one in Jalen Brunson, who's now a team captain for the second season in a row. Brunson is an efficient player who contributes the most during the last five minutes of the game.
However, his most important contribution is in the calmness and the team spirit he brings to the roster. The players commented on that early on, and the quality has only improved over the years.
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