Jalen Brunson delivered the impossible for the New York Knicks, snapping a brutal 53-year drought and finally bringing home the Larry O’Brien Trophy this summer. With that incredible achievement now in the history books, Brunson is already on a quest for number two, and frankly, the rest of the league needs to pay attention. He brought a championship movement to the city that fans had been dreaming about for decades, but he’s not done yet.
Age is Nothing But a Number for Brunson's Craft
It’s true, Brunson turns 30 this summer, an age that often sparks whispers of a player heading towards a decline in the NBA. But here's the wild part: injuries over the years haven’t slowed him down one bit. There’s a solid reason to believe he isn't stopping anytime soon, and one expert is doubling down on that take. Bleacher Report contributor Andy Bailey predicts that by the start of the next decade, in 2030, Brunson will still rank among the league's elite, specifically as the 24th-best player in the entire NBA. That's a huge shout for a guy hitting the big 3-0. Why the confidence? Bailey himself broke it down, writing, "Brunson has already had to learn how to dominate at both a size and athleticism deficit. He’s done it with skill and craft." Think about that for a second. This isn’t a guy relying on raw explosiveness that fades with time. He's a master technician. Bailey believes, "neither trait is likely to abandon Brunson over the next four years. In fact, there’s a real chance he only sharpens those between now and 2030." We’ve seen players like Chris Paul remain super effective well into their 30s with similar builds, and Brunson looks poised to follow that path. Skill and craft? Those only get better with experience, right?Another Gear and a Core Locked In?
Here’s the kicker: there's still a real possibility Brunson hasn't even hit his absolute peak yet. Could he genuinely have another gear in him? If so, that would be an absolute nightmare for opponents and pure magic for the Knicks. Imagine what an even better Brunson could do after already ending a 53-year curse. This incredible future for Brunson also means good things for the team's long-term vision. His co-stars, Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby, are lining up for contract extensions in the near future. Keeping this core together for the next several years is exactly what the Knicks need to do if they want to bag another championship, or even two. It's an exciting time to be a fan, knowing this team is built to contend.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.