Brunson named Knicks' team captain

The New York Knicks named point guard Jalen Brunson the 36th team captain in franchise history, the team announced Tuesday.

The decision comes in the same offseason that Brunson left nearly $113 million on the table when signing a four-year, $156.5-million extension with the club to provide more financial flexibility for future roster additions.

Brunson becomes the first Knicks captain since Lance Thomas in the 2018-19 season. The campaign was Thomas' last full year in the NBA, and he averaged 4.5 points in 46 appearances.

Last season marked a superstar breakout for Brunson, who averaged 28.7 points and 6.7 assists for the Knicks. He made his first All-Star Game appearance, earned a spot on the All-NBA second team, and finished top-five in both Most Valuable Player and Most Improved Player voting.

Brunson's success coincided with the Knicks' first 50-win season since 2012-13 and a second-round playoff berth. New York has won more playoff series in Brunson's two campaigns since coming over from the Dallas Mavericks than in the 22 years prior.

The Knicks have had a notable offseason beyond Brunson in an effort to make a run at an NBA title. They signed OG Anunoby to a massive five-year, $212.5-million deal and traded five first-rounders for Brooklyn Nets wing Mikal Bridges.