Follow usJalen Brunson is entering his eighth NBA season and the New York Knicks’ star guard has already transformed into the face of the franchise and an MVP contender, leading the team back to prominence with a run to the Eastern Conference Finals last year — their first appearance at that stage since 2000.
In a recent one-on-one interview, Brunson reflected on his growth since breaking into the league.
ESPN ranks Jalen Brunson as the 10th best player in the NBA. pic.twitter.com/d83J9svuyc
— KnicksMuse (@KnicksMuse) September 25, 2025
“A mixture of a lot,” he said when asked about the biggest difference in his game now. “I think the opportunity has been big. I’m still working as hard as I can and becoming the best player I can be. I don’t see myself as plateauing. I never look at myself and say, ‘How can I succeed?’ It’s always, ‘How can I get better?’ I’m always looking for how I can get better. Every single summer, every single year. Being in Dallas gave me an opportunity, helped me jump-start my career. It’s been a steady progression ever since.”
Brunson established himself with the Dallas Mavericks, playing a crucial No. 2 role alongside Luka Doncic and helping guide the team to the Western Conference Finals, but it is in New York where he has truly transformed himself into a franchise key player.
In his final season with Dallas, Brunson averaged 16.3 points per game. Since joining the Knicks in 2022, that figure has jumped to 26.4 points per game, including a career-high 28.7 points during the 2023-24 campaign.
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