Jalen Brunson warns NBA champion Knicks can't become complacent: "It's a new journey"

New York, New York - Jalen Brunson says the reigning champion New York Knicks, coming off their first NBA title since 1973, cannot become complacent in trying to repeat the feat in the upcoming campaign.

Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks reacts after making a three-point basket in Game 5 of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 13. Brunson told reporters on Monday that the reigning NBA champions face a "new journey" this season.
Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks reacts after making a three-point basket in Game 5 of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 13. Brunson told reporters on Monday that the reigning NBA champions face a "new journey" this season.  © Gregory Shamus / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

The Knicks captain and 2026 NBA Finals Most Valuable Player spoke Monday at the team media day before training camp began.

"Not being satisfied is the biggest takeaway moving forward," Brunson said. "We just have to find a way to turn the page and move on."

It won't be easy after an off-season celebration like no other for a club that struggled for so long before returning to the top.

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"Honored and grateful for all the opportunities that have come about. It was the longest shortest summer ever, but it was well worth it," said Brunson, who hosted Saturday Night Live's season opener last weekend.

"It's cool to feel the energy, and it makes you want it even more."

Brunson, however, stressed that after ending the long Knicks title drought, this season will be a different quest.

"Last year we took everything one day at a time," he said. "We know what it takes, going through the same mindset for this journey.

"It's a new journey. It's a different journey. The approach has to be the same if not better."

Brunson says the Knicks will "hold each other accountable"

Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks speaks to the media during Media Day at the Knicks Training Facility on Monday. The team captain was named the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player.
Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks speaks to the media during Media Day at the Knicks Training Facility on Monday. The team captain was named the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player.   © Caleb Bowlin / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

Brunson averaged 28.4 points, 6.1 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.2 steals a game in the Knicks' playoff run, capped by a 4-1 series victory over San Antonio in the finals.

He expects fans will see early on if the Knicks still have what it takes to capture the crown.

"The first couple weeks of the season are going to show us who we are and where we are," Brunson said. "No matter what we're doing, playing great or playing bad, how are we going to be able to learn.

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"We'll find a way. We'll hold each other accountable. We'll learn, and we'll be better."

Knicks big man Karl-Anthony Towns has goals as the 2026-27 campaign begins next month.

"Just get back to the drawing board, start at 0-0, be hungry, be willing to do whatever it takes again and to win it again," Towns said.

"To repeat, it's going to take an even greater sense of discipline and execution. We're going to have to be even better than what we showed in the playoffs.

"All of us are aware of that. We're going to have to bring a whole 'nother level to the table if we expect to have a chance to repeat."

Cover photo: Gregory Shamus / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

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