The New York Knicks have been without their captain Jalen Brunson for the last six games, and they've been an underwhelming 3-3 during that stretch. Brunson has missed time with an ankle injury, and his absence is just a sobering reminder about New York's lack of depth heading into the playoffs.
However, Brunson is expected to make a return before the postseason. While he certainly won't suit up for Thursday's matchup between the Knicks and Charlotte Hornets, he seems to be on the mend, at least according to Tom Thibodeau.
Since coming to the Knicks in free agency during the 2022 offseason, Brunson has appeared in 65 games in each of his full two seasons. This year, he is already at the 61-game mark and only needs four appearances to be eligible for MVP and All-NBA consideration.
Based on prior reports and Thibodeau's update given today, it seems very likely that he will meet that requirement.
Jalen Brunson is out of the walking boot and doing light shooting, Thibodeau said.
— Stefan Bondy (@SbondyNBA) March 20, 2025
Averaging 26.3 points and 7.4 assists per game this season, Brunson is a lock for his second All-NBA nod in a row. With Luka Doncic and Stephen Curry seemingly unable to hit the 65-game mark, there's a chance that Brunson can join Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the All-NBA First Team.
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While Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo will certainly finish one, two, and three in MVP voting, Brunson might receive some love in that category as well, and his return will only stand to improve the Knicks' chances of going on a deep playoff run.
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This story was originally published March 20, 2025 at 7:49 PM.