​NEW YORK (AP) — Jalen Brunson has undergone surgery on his left wrist and is projected to be ready for the Knicks to start their defense of the NBA title, a person familiar with the situation said Tuesday. The NBA Finals MVP is anticipated to resume basketball activities later this summer, the anonymous source told The Associated Press because there had been no official announcement about Brunson’s procedure. The surgery was initially reported by SNY.
Brunson, who uses his left hand as his dominant hand, did not allow the wrist issue to hinder his performance during the Knicks’ run to their first championship since 1973. He poured in 45 points as New York clinched the title in Game 5 in San Antonio, following a standout performance in Game 4 that featured a 36-point effort in a remarkable comeback from a 29-point hole. Over the course of the Finals, the point guard averaged 32.6 points per game.
If the timeline holds, Brunson plans to resume training and activities in the months ahead, aligning with the Knicks’ expectations for a smooth return in time for the start of next season. While the specifics of the procedure and recovery window were not disclosed publicly, the team and its star guard have expressed optimism about regaining full strength well before the start of the next campaign.
As Brunson moves forward, attention will be on his rehabilitation process, continuity with teammates, and how the Knicks structure their lineup around a player who has proven instrumental in their championship success. The upcoming off-season figures to center around ensuring durability and readiness for a defensive-minded pursuit of another title, with Brunson at the helm of a Knicks roster aiming to sustain its elite level of play.
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