Projecting Jalen Brunson, Knicks Stars’ Ceilings and Floors for 2024-25 NBA Season

Ceiling: Brunson steers the ‘Bockers to a top-two seed and himself to the franchise’s first MVP award since 1970.

Last season came awfully close to Brunson’s best-case scenario, as the Knicks were the East’s No. 2 seed, and he was the fifth-placed finisher in MVP voting.

Still, there might be another level he and this team can reach. Chasing down the Celtics is asking a ton, but if New York is closer to Boston than it is to the East’s No. 3 seed, that will still count as another step forward. And if Brunson makes that happen as a solo star, he could have the stats, the storyline and the spotlight needed to become the first Knick crowned as MVP in more than 50 years.

Barring a major injury, Brunson isn’t at risk of major backtracking, but sustaining his production from last season isn’t a given. For that matter, neither is New York’s standing as the East’s second-best team. The Knicks have major question marks at center, the East has other star-studded rosters and there are scenarios in which both Brunson and New York are more good than great.