NBA GM Survey Applauds New York Knicks' Jalen Brunson
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New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson is entering his second season in Manhattan and he's expected to be the one to lead his team to new heights.
After missing the playoffs in 2022, the Knicks signed Brunson and became one of the league's most improved teams. The team won 47 games and a playoff series, reaching those respective landmarks for the first time since 2013.
Amateur and professional observers credited the Knicks' success and improvement to Brunson and the Association's general manager apparently took notice: in the league's annual survey posted on NBA.com, several decisionmakers voted for the point guard when asked who the best modern leaders are.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson
LeBron James and Stephen Curry received half of the votes in the survey while reigning NBA Finals MVP Nikola Jokic placed third. Jimmy Butler, Damian Lillard, and Chris Paul each received multiple votes, while Brunson received a vote along with Jrue Holiday, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Draymond Green. Brunson also received a vote when the respondents were asked which current player would make the best coach (a list led by Paul for the second consecutive season).
"A leader isn't someone who just goes out and tells people what to do," Brunson said in an interview with NBA TV. "They've got to do it by showing their actions and making sure those words mean something. I love to work hard, and I love to be a person who is able to take criticism, but also give it."
Brunson's leadership will be key for the Knicks as they navigate through a season burdened with new expectations.
Fans might have to be patient to see Brunson return to full form: the starting point guard played only six minutes in Monday's preseason opener against Boston but earned 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting. New York returns to action on Saturday against the Minnesota Timberwolves (7:30 p.m. ET, MSG).
