With Jaylen Brunson, the New York Knicks found their present and future foundation

What’s an NBA franchise without a reliable point guard leading the way? For New York Knicksthe question has been around for years, but it looks like they finally have an answer.

New York made headlines this summer when it signed Jalen Brunson to a four-year, $104 million contract, a commitment that gave the 26-year-old the keys to the franchise. In doing so, Brunson became the Knicks’ 11th opening night starter in as many years. The hope, of course, is that the eleventh time will be the charm.

Early results show that under Brunson, the Knicks got it right.

Although based on small samples, it’s imperative to remember that Branson’s first impressions are important for what they represent in the long run: that New York has its most consistent creator in decades.

Jalen, the creator

Creator, not scorer or organizer, because Branson does a lot for himself and others.

In his first 10 games with the Knicks, Brunson averaged 19.7 points per game, along with 7.3 assists and 4.0 rebounds per game, while shooting 50.7 percent from the field. Oh, and he did it while committing fewer than two errors per game.

It’s early, but over the past 40 years, only four of the Knicks’ starting point guards have averaged at least 15 points and six assists per game in more than 50 games, the most recent being Raymond Felton, who had 17 .1 points on average. 9.0 assists per game in 2010-2011.

Brunson’s effectiveness suggests that what he’s doing is sustainable, which means he could very well be the fifth to join the list.

In time, Brunson will continue to strengthen his connection with RJ Barrett and Julius Randle, who, incidentally, are his two most frequent assist recipients, according to NBA.com statistics.

If Brunson has been this good while still finding his bearings and learning to play with those around him, the prospect of what’s next will excite Knicks fans.

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The foundation of the future

For the duration of his contract, the investment in Branson was a long-term play. Brunson will be 29 in the final year of his contract, meaning he could earn an extension for the next few years or another big payout when it comes time to re-sign.

Including Brunson, the Knicks have 12 players 26 and under, including Barrett (22), Quentin Grimes (22), Immanuel Quickley (23), Cam Redis (23), Mitchell Robinson (24) and Obie Toppin ( 24). Simply put, Brunson is the oldest player in a younger group that is more or less on the same line of development.

Just as Brunson will develop a greater connection with New York’s star-studded roster this season, his influence on the growth and development of the Knicks’ young group will be felt for years to come.

Brunson fits New York because he’s the right man for the job: a steady hand and a natural leader who can organize and help his teammates move forward. As a player who has already reached the Conference Finals once in his career, Brunson knows what it takes to get the Knicks back to a level they haven’t reached since 2000, restoring some hope to fans in the process. That, in itself, counts for a lot.

When he entered the franchise’s last market, it was clear that Brunson wanted to be in New York and New York wanted Brunson. This desire combined with his winning pedigree is exactly why the pair will deliver.

The views expressed here do not necessarily represent the NBA or its organizations.