New York Knicks Star Jalen Brunson Takes Leadership Role 'Very Seriously'

New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson offered his definition of a leader in an interview with NBA TV.

Jalen Brunson won two national championships in his time at Villanova and was able to win National Player of the Year in his third and final season. But NBA scouts didn't know how well his game and size would translate to the professional level.

From averaging only 9.3 points per game for the Dallas Mavericks in his rookie season (drafted 33rd overall in 2018) to an impressive 24 points per game in his first season with the New York Knicks, Brunson looks to continue improving his game. Brunson's role with the Knicks will continue to grow both on and off the court in year two. The point guard talked more about how he feels about being seen as a leader in an interview with NBA TV's Carolyn Manno.

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson celebrates mid-game / USA TODAY SPORTS

"A leader isn't someone who just goes out and tells people what to do," Brunson said. "They've got to do it by showing their actions and making sure those words mean something. I love to work hard, and I love to be a person who is able to take criticism, but also give it."

The Knicks have more than one guy who can be that leader out on the court. Any one of the three stars on the team could be that leader at any given moment. Whether it's Brunson, Julius Randle, or RJ Barrett, the Knicks have plenty of guys that the players can count on to step up and lead the team. 

Brunson came into his first year with the team and immediately took on that leadership role. If he continues to improve his game and his leadership, it'll a load off of the other Knicks and give them someone to lean on.