Jalen Brunson out of walking boot and doing light shooting

Jalen, you said you never thought things would be the way they are, so is there anything specifically that surprised you? Brunson: 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. 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. -via HoopsHype / March 18, 2025

Josh Hart on his career season: I think this is the first year for me that I feel like I solidified myself in being a good player in the league. I wasn’t worried about trying to prove myself to anybody. We’ve got JB (Brunson), KAT (Karl-Anthony Towns), Mikal (Bridges), and OG (Anunoby). How can I help these guys maximize their opportunities, kind of be a servant for them, and also be available for Thibs (Tom Thibodeau)? I think I took that mentality and went with that. It opened doors for me that I didn’t think were possible or were in my vision at the time. My biggest thing is I want to make sure these guys are good, and I want to make sure they get the recognition, contracts, and accolades that come with being in their position. -via HoopsHype / March 18, 2025

Jalen Brunson on how playing for the Knicks has changed his life: For the most part, it’s been pretty amazing. 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. -via HoopsHype / March 18, 2025