Jalen Brunson isn’t just the engine behind the Knicks’ offense - he’s the heartbeat of the entire franchise right now. And over All-Star Weekend, he reminded everyone that his leadership extends well beyond the hardwood.
Brunson teamed up with Karl-Anthony Towns and Knicks legend Allan Houston to take home the Shooting Stars title in the competition’s return. But leave it to Jalen to keep things light even in victory. Despite the win, he joked that he wasn’t having much fun - all thanks to the team’s “celebrity passer,” his dad and Knicks assistant coach Rick Brunson.
During the trophy presentation, Brunson didn’t hold back, ribbing his father with a grin: “He did his job, but being around him is never a good time.” It was classic Brunson - competitive, composed, and always ready with a quip. It also gave fans a glimpse into the family dynamic that’s helped shape one of the NBA’s most poised young stars.
But make no mistake: Brunson’s leadership isn’t just about jokes and feel-good moments. The Knicks hit the All-Star break with a 35-20 record, sitting third in the Eastern Conference - and Brunson’s fingerprints are all over that success.
The chemistry on this team is real, and it starts with Brunson’s ability to connect with everyone in the locker room. That includes his former Villanova teammate and current Knicks running mate Josh Hart - who, according to Brunson, might be a little too connected.
“I’m not going to say his name, but number 3 on the Knicks… he’s the most annoying person ever,” Brunson said with a smirk. It’s the kind of banter that only comes from a deep bond, and their Villanova roots have clearly carried over into the NBA. Hart may be a locker room pest in Brunson’s eyes, but he’s been a key contributor during the Knicks’ recent 8-2 stretch.
That hot run didn’t happen by accident. It came on the heels of a players-only meeting - one that Brunson himself called after a tough loss to the Mavericks. It was a turning point, and it spoke volumes about where Brunson is in his evolution as a leader.
He’s not just the Knicks’ best player - he’s their tone-setter. He’s embraced the responsibility of leading a team with real playoff aspirations, and he’s doing it with a quiet confidence that’s impossible to ignore.
"I'm not going to say his name, but number 3 [Josh Hart] on the Knicks... he's the most annoying person ever."
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 15, 2026
- Jalen Brunson 😂
(via @NBA)
pic.twitter.com/4re547kgzb
Brunson made it clear that his drive comes from within. He’s not chasing external validation - he’s out to prove to himself that he belongs among the league’s elite. And in doing so, he’s challenged his teammates to match his intensity.
He’s not afraid to fail. That’s the kind of mindset that resonates in a locker room. It’s also the kind that can carry a team deep into the postseason.
As the Knicks gear up for the final stretch of the regular season, they do so with a clear identity - one forged by a point guard who leads with his voice, his play, and yes, even his sense of humor. Jalen Brunson is showing New York what a true franchise cornerstone looks like.