Jalen Brunson is still not participating in basketball activities, and that’s a massive problem for the Knicks. His wrist recovery remains the biggest health variable hanging over the team, with Bryan Fonseca flat out arguing that New York’s repeat hopes effectively disappear if their Finals MVP cannot return to his pre-injury level. Brunson himself has called the rehab process “frustrating,” and that’s not exactly the kind of update you want to hear for a player so critical to your championship aspirations. Dexter Henry from the New York Post is right: there’s a huge difference between just being medically cleared and actually looking like the Jalen Brunson we know and love.
Hart’s Finger and Future Funds
Meanwhile, Josh Hart is out here just joking about the massive payday coming his way, as you do when you’re a champion. Estimates for his next deal are floating around $54-$62 million over three years, but James L. Edwards III of The Athletic thinks something closer to $70-$80 million would be fairer value. Here’s the kicker: Hart told Michael Zeno he has zero plans to get another procedure on that troublesome ring finger on his shooting hand, the one he played through last season! He straight up said, “At the end of my career, when I’m done hooping, I’ll probably have to get a joint replacement in it, but for now it’s fine.” Talk about dedication, or maybe just a stubborn streak! He feels New York is home now, saying, “But now, I’m in New York. I feel like I have a home here, and I’m extremely happy.” With his wife, Mikal Bridges, and even Brunson helping him navigate the grind, it’s clear Hart is grounded. And get this: 90 percent of fans who talk to him about the title mention their father or son. That’s real.
Alvarado Takes on the World
While Brunson heals and Hart preps for his next bag, Jose Alvarado is keeping his dream year alive on the international stage. Our Brooklyn-born Knicks guard is repping Puerto Rico at the FIBA World Cup, and he’s already making noise. Alvarado dropped a team-high 19 points for Puerto Rico in an 89-75 World Cup qualifying loss to Argentina. He put up a solid 7-of-15 from the field, adding six rebounds and four assists. Pretty slick stuff for a qualifying game, even if they didn’t get the W against an Argentina squad coached by former Knick Pablo Prigioni. Also, Pacome Dadiet, not for France, made his senior international debut, helping Ivory Coast grab an 83-77 win over Mali.
So, the biggest question on everyone’s mind is Brunson’s wrist. We need to see him back on the court, participating in basketball activities, sooner rather than later. With Hart locked in and Alvarado showing out globally, the foundation is there, but the engine needs to be running. This team’s next step hinges on when Jalen is truly Jalen again.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Posting and Toasting.
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