Just three days before the New York Knicks’ annual media day kicks off the 2026-27 season, Jalen Brunson shared some exciting news. Following surgery on his left wrist in July, Brunson has now been fully cleared to participate in training camp as the Knicks gear up to defend their NBA title.
Brunson announced this update to thousands of fans gathered at Randall’s Island Park for the Roommates Show Block Party, a live recording of the podcast he co-hosts with Knicks teammate Josh Hart.
“As many of you know, I had surgery during the offseason,” Brunson said. “I just wanted to let you know that I am fully healed and cleared.”
Brunson underwent the procedure after playing through pain in his shooting arm throughout the Knicks’ championship run, according to Ian Begley of SNY. In a summer radio interview, Brunson mentioned he couldn’t pinpoint when the injury occurred but first noticed it late in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals versus the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Despite the injury, the three-time All-Star and All-NBA player maintained elite performance levels. He led the 2026 playoffs with an average of 28.4 points, 6.1 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game in nearly 37 minutes of play. Shooting 46.5% from the field, 36.3% from beyond the arc, and 84.6% from the free-throw line, Brunson earned MVP honors in both the Eastern Conference Finals and NBA Finals, delivering the Knicks their first championship in 53 years.
Following his surgery, Brunson spent most of the offseason with his shooting hand in a cast, a sign visible throughout his celebratory media tour, which culminates with his hosting of “Saturday Night Live” tomorrow.
As the seasons change, the Knicks are focused on moving forward into what is expected to be a more competitive Eastern Conference, facing several key questions. How well will newcomer Andre Drummond fill the void left by Mitchell Robinson as the team’s backup center? Which veterans among Bruce Brown, John Konchar, Drew Eubanks, James Wiseman, and Ochai Agbaji will make the opening-night roster? And crucially, can the Knicks reach a contract extension with star big man Karl-Anthony Towns before the season starts?
While those questions remain, one thing is certain: when the Knicks officially begin next week, their leader will be ready and on the court.
“I was told I’m cleared,” Brunson confirmed on stage Thursday. “Just in time for training camp.”
Fan Take: Brunson’s return to full health is a huge boost not only for the Knicks but for basketball fans everywhere, as it promises a thrilling title defense with their star fully in action. His resilience and elite play through injury embody the fierce competitive spirit that keeps the NBA captivating season after season.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
