The New York Knicks are gearing up for the 2025-26 NBA season with strategic roster changes that highlight their key players, including Jalen Brunson. Brunson, a pivotal figure for the Knicks over recent years, returns under new head coach Mike Brown as the team sets higher expectations for the upcoming year. Alongside Brunson, Mikal Bridges remains with the Knicks after agreeing to a four-year, $150 million contract extension this offseason, solidifying the team’s core.
Beyond his NBA contributions, Brunson’s potential extends to the international stage. Although he narrowly missed selection for the 2024 U.S. Olympic basketball team, analysts predict he will secure a prominent position for the 2028 Olympics, demonstrating his growing reputation beyond the NBA courts.
Predicted 2028 Olympic Team Inclusion for Jalen Brunson
Despite not making the 2024 Olympic roster, Jalen Brunson remains a strong candidate for Team USA in 2028 due to his continued development and performance. Colin Ward-Henninger, in an August 7 feature, argues that Brunson is expected to fill the guard spot left vacant by Stephen Curry on the future U.S. Olympic team.
Ward-Henninger explains,
“should easily slide into the vacancy left by Curry at the guard position.”
He adds,
“Brunson has developed into one of the most prolific scoring guards in the world and, while he lacks size, his grittiness and intelligence should allow him to hold his own defensively on the international stage,”
and further highlights Brunson’s international experience:
“He has yet to make an Olympic appearance, but Brunson won gold as a member of the U18 and U19 Team USA squads and was a key member of the 2023 World Cup team.”
These achievements underline Brunson’s readiness to compete at the highest global levels while maintaining his stellar NBA form.
Standing Among NBA Guards and Recognition of Brunson’s Impact
Jalen Brunson’s standing in the NBA as one of the top guards has been confirmed by recent rankings. Frank Urbina of Hoops Hope placed him third among all NBA guards in an August 4 report, just behind Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder. This notable ranking highlights Brunson’s elite status in a position crowded with talent and MVP-level performers.
Urbina emphasizes the point guard position’s depth, stating,
“The point guard position is one of the most loaded in the NBA today, featuring various MVP vote-getters, as well as the outright MVP winner for 2024-25, who fared quite well in this exercise,”
before positioning Brunson firmly as a top-tier player among these peers.
In addition to his performance ranking, Brunson’s contract for the 2025-26 season is $34,944,001, placing him 46th in overall NBA salaries. Urbina regards this as a tremendous value for the Knicks, calling Brunson the
“most important New York Knicks player in a decade”
and noting Brunson’s sustained excellence last season,
“to play at an elite level last season, winning Clutch Player of the Year, finishing Top 10 in the MVP vote and earning 2nd Team All-NBA honors for the second year in a row.”
Brunson’s Growing Influence and What Lies Ahead
Jalen Brunson’s impact on the New York Knicks and his prospects in international basketball suggest a significant future both in the NBA and the Olympics. With the departure of veteran players and evolving team dynamics under Mike Brown, Brunson is expected to remain the cornerstone of the Knicks’ success.
Moreover, his projected role as a leading guard for the 2028 Olympics amplifies his athletic trajectory, representing not only personal achievement but also an opportunity to build on his Team USA legacy begun during his youth and World Cup experience. As the 2025-26 season approaches and 2028 draws nearer, Brunson’s dual opportunities will likely continue to shape his career and influence in basketball at the highest levels.