NEW YORK — The New York Knicks have chosen Jalen Brunson as their captain -- the team's first in six years.
A former Maverick, Brunson quickly became one of the team's leaders after signing with New York as a free agent 2022. On Tuesday, the point guard was selected as the 36th captain in the franchise's history.
The Knicks hadn't had a captain named on its roster since forward Lance Thomas held the honor in the 2018-19 season.
Knicks President Leon Rose called Brunson a "natural born leader," adding in a statement that he was confident the All-Star guard would "continue to represent our organization, fans, city and his teammates with the same heart, grit and class that he has displayed each and every day since he came to New York."
Brunson has led to the Knicks to the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs in both his seasons after coming from Dallas. He averaged 28.7 points last season, earning his first All-Star nod and finishing fifth in voting for the NBA MVP award.
Brunson becomes the fourth second-round pick to be Knicks captain. That list is headlined by Willis Reed, the Hall of Fame center who was nicknamed "The Captain" for his leadership.