Jalen Brunson says being face of Knicks franchise has ‘changed my life for the better’

During an interview with NBA reporter Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Jalen Brunson spoke about being the face of the New York Knicks. 

“For the most part, it’s been pretty amazing,” Brunson said. “It’s something that I can say changed my life for the better. I never thought things would be the way that they are. But when you work hard for something and focus on the team goals, a lot of individual success and accolades can happen. I think I’ve tried to do everything the right way and focus on how I can help my team be the best we can be.

“Individually, it’s worked out for me. I’m really thankful for the opportunity that came about. It’s something that if I went back in time, I’d do over and over again. It’s something that I’d never take for granted because it’s such a blessed opportunity for an organization like this in a city like this, and to be with my friends and to be with family. It’s been remarkable, to say the least.”

Brunson joined the Knicks in 2022. He signed a four-year, $104 million contract.

The lefty has made two All-Star teams and one All-NBA team since joining New York. 

“I’d say I’ve always worked my butt off to be the best player I can be, so the play part, I’m not necessarily surprised by that,” Brunson said. “I always knew I could achieve whatever I worked for as long as I kept working and had that mindset to never be satisfied with anything, but the things that come with it, like being named the captain, signing an extension, thankfully, being here with my dad (assistant coach Rick Brunson), Thibs (coach Tom Thibodeau), Leon (Rose), and all the guys I’ve known for such a long time like Josh (Hart), Mikal (Bridges), and formerly Donte (DiVincenzo), who I grew up with.

“There are so many factors where you look at it, and you’re thinking this is something you’d never thought of when making the jump to a new team. That’s what I meant when I said you don’t know what would happen. It’s been remarkable and something I wouldn’t change for anything.”

Brunson signed a four-year, $156 million extension with the Knicks last summer. He’s averaging 26.3 points and 7.4 assists this season while shooting 49.0% from the field, 38.4% from 3 and 82.5% from the foul line.