Jalen Brunson and Mike Brown prepare for a fresh start with championship ambitions
Jalen Brunson’s rise to stardom has been closely tied to Tom Thibodeau’s coaching philosophy. As the New York Knicks transition to a new era under head coach Mike Brown, Brunson faces the challenge of adapting his game to a different style. During his three seasons with Thibodeau, Brunson flourished, averaging an impressive 26.4 points per game and earning All-Star and All-NBA selections in each of the last two seasons. He often credited Thibodeau for his development and success.
The Knicks’ journey took a sharp turn when they fell to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals, prompting the franchise to part ways with Thibodeau. Enter Mike Brown, a coach known for his strategic acumen and ability to elevate teams. With the 2026 championship aspirations firmly in sight, Brown now steps into the role of leading a team that believes it can contend for the title.
As the new season approaches, Brunson was recently asked about the adjustment period he might face under Brown’s guidance. “I don’t know how long it’s going to take me, but hopefully relatively fast. I’ll continue to get better off of it,” he responded thoughtfully. He acknowledged that even during his time with Thibodeau, there was a continual process of learning and improvement. “I don’t want to say I’m going to ‘master’ it at any point, I’m just going to continue getting better and better and be more fluent at it. It’s going to be a process, for sure.”
With the season on the horizon, Brunson and Brown are focused on aligning their visions and strategies. The Knicks enter this campaign as one of the favorites in the Eastern Conference, buoyed by their near-miss at a finals appearance last season. The combination of Brunson’s skill set and Brown’s coaching will be pivotal as they strive to turn championship dreams into reality.
