The key for the Knicks to improve, according to a former player: "As much as we love Jalen Brunson.."
Iman Shumpert was part of the franchise between 2011 and 2015, so he wanted to give them the key to reach another level and become genuine championship contenders.
Where would the New York Knicks be without Jalen Brunson playing 35 minutes per night during the regular season and almost 40 per game in the playoffs? According to former NBA player, Iman Shumpert, the team could perform even better if they stopped relying so much on their superstar throughout the entire game (via Anne Erickson from Heavy.com).
"As much as we love Jalen Brunson," said Shumpert, "I think his usage should drop a bit so that [Mikal Bridges and others] can shine... You still want him to be who he is — sometimes he has to control the ball... But when we talk about choosing the right moments, we are referring to the fourth quarter as the time to do so. Throughout the game, you can share the ball a bit more. It's easier for him to say, 'Hey, I'll take this play, let me facilitate for you guys, we can all get our numbers... but towards the end of the game, you know I'm going to need to have the ball in my hands more.'
Knicks' Star Players' Stats
With Karl-Anthony Towns (24.4 points per game), Mikal Bridges (17.6), and OG Anunoby (18), the team has other reliable offensive options to take pressure off Brunson. Since Brunson took over leadership of the team, the Knicks have been gradually advancing in the playoffs: they reached the second round in their first year (six games), then the seventh game in the second round, and this past season made it to the Conference Finals.
Brunson averaged 40 minutes per game in his first two playoff appearances with the Knicks, and 38 minutes per game this season. He was named Clutch Player of the Year in the 2024-25 regular season, with averages of 26 points, 7.3 assists, and 38% from three-point range. In the postseason, he put up 29.4 points, 7 assists, and 35.8% from beyond the arc.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, La clave para que los Knicks mejoren, según un exjugador: "Por mucho que amemos a Jalen Brunson..."
