Jalen Brunson is a man of the people, but that hasn't stopped loyal Knicks fans across the five boroughs from treating him like royalty.
The New York Knicks star guard hopes to lift his team to its first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2000 with a win over the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 of the semifinals on Sunday afternoon. Brunson turned even the most cynical Knicks fan into a believer with his most 40-point performance (five points) during the playoffs since another “king”, LeBron James, did it in 2018 (eight points). changed to
“He's the king right now,” former Knicks star and Brooklyn native Stephon Marbury said in an interview. “Can you imagine if he wins a championship here? … It's like looking at LeBron, Kobe, Kareem, Magic, Michael Jordan. That's different.”
Brunson's pursuit of bringing the Knicks their first NBA title since 1973 coincides with his own increased marketing profile. Despite being known for his calm demeanor and relaxed personality, the 27-year-old guard has the opportunity to take advantage of being one of the biggest stars in the world's biggest media market.
Its impact is already being felt on the streets of New York. It's on the corner of 34th Street, just a short walk from his estate, Madison Square Garden.th street and 7th Avenue is a newly installed Nike billboard featuring Branson with one arm in the air. It just says, “Please don't sleep.'' ”
It's a symbol of the often-overlooked, undersized All-Star who became the franchise player fans have been waiting for since Carmelo Anthony left in 2017. Branson is ready, with the support of the city and the endorsement of shoe sponsor Nike. It is about to reach its prime as a marketing machine.
Eric Smallwood, president of Apex Marketing Group, has conducted multiple studies on the benefits of players operating in large markets rather than small ones. He said the proximity to Los Angeles is helpful to James, co-founder of entertainment studio SpringHill Company. Even an All-Pro quarterback like Aaron Rodgers has had more exposure than ever since leaving the Green Bay Packers to play for the perennially losing New York Jets.
“Eli [Manning] “For him, being in New York is more valuable than being in New Orleans,” he said.
Brunson may be picky when it comes to marketing deals, but he doesn't want to be distracted from any attractive opportunities that may come his way off the court.
“I'm definitely open to doing more partnerships, but I always love to keep the main thing the main thing,” Branson said during an appearance on the show. Business beyond games At the beginning of this year. “I know that as long as I work hard on the court and take care of everything first, I can get better at helping and supporting brands.”
The New Jersey native continues to build a sponsorship portfolio that includes Catalina Crunch, Oura Ring, Bose, Delta, and Dunkin' Donuts. The former Villanova communications major is likely to add to the list with other media opportunities in the future, but he emphasizes that he wants to have the right mindset when doing so.
“Everyone dreams of getting support and things like that, but when it comes to doing it, you have to think for yourself and understand what it's all about,” he said in February. said in an interview. “This was a great way to expand my brain and business off the court.”
The Knicks are in the midst of their best season in decades, and the lead guard has earned the trust of fans across New York. “I have nothing but love and respect for them,” Brunson said, continuing to thank the passionate Knicks fans and supporters who continue to give him royal treatment.
