Adam Silver Calls Knicks Success ‘Fantastic to See,’ Praises Jalen Brunson’s Contract

Count NBA commissioner Adam Silver among those who are happy to see the New York Knicks establishing themselves as contenders.

Speaking to Stefan Bondy of the New York Post, Silver said the following about the Knicks and what their success means for the league as a whole:

“As a lifelong New Yorker, it’s fantastic to see. Of course as commissioner of the league, I support all teams equally. I get a disproportionate number of comments pro-Knicks as I live in New York City and walking around the streets and you can just tell how enthusiastic the fans are in this town. I’ve always thought of New York City as a basketball town.

“When I talk to players around the league on other teams, many of whom are from the New York area, of course they don’t want to lose to the Knicks but they love coming to the Garden, having a competitive Knicks team, having the celebrities sit courtside, having that special energy in the building.”

Silver also praised the Knicks and star guard Jalen Brunson for coming to terms on a four-year, $156.6 million extension in July, saying:

“Compliments to the Knicks and Jalen for creating an environment that he wanted to be in. If he continues to play at the level he is, he’ll make an enormous amount of money, which is wonderful. But I think what he did with his contract is consistent with the way he leads on the floor. I think he made it clear to his teammates that he cares about them as well and he also realizes that in order to compete for championships, he needs great players around him.”

After showcasing he potential with the Dallas Mavericks, Brunson signed a four-year, $104 million deal with the Knicks in 2022.

That proved to be the best possible move for his career, as he has blossomed into a star over the course of his two years in the Big Apple.

In 2022-23, Brunson enjoyed what was a career year at the time, averaging 24.0 points, 6.2 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 2.0 three-pointers made per game.

He was even better last season, though, averaging 28.7 points, 6.7 assists, 3.6 rebounds and 2.7 three-pointers made per contest. As a result, he was named an All-Star and to the All-NBA Second Team for the first time, plus he finished fifth in NBA MVP voting.

Brunson helped the Knicks go 50-32 and reach the second round of the playoffs where they were eliminated by the Indiana Pacers in seven games due largely several key players suffering injuries.

Rather than waiting another year to sign what likely would have been a significantly bigger contract extension, Brunson took a discount by signing one over the summer, which allowed the Knicks to add to an already talented core.

The Knicks were able to re-sign wing OG Anunoby, plus they acquired another wing in Mikal Bridges in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets.

With a roster led by Brunson, Bridges, Anunoby, Donte DiVincenzo, Julius Randle and Josh Hart, the Knicks are one of the deepest and most talented teams in the league.

They have not reached the NBA Finals since 1999 or won a championship since 1973, but they are considered among the top contenders to do so in 2024-25.

Getting past the reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference won’t be easy, but there is perhaps no team better equipped to do so than the Knicks.