New York Knicks

37-45, no playoffs

Overview: Jalen Brunson has the Knicks believing the search for a point guard is over at last. Never mind that he was never even a full-time NBA starter until last season, or that the quest to find the long-term answer at point guard in New York seemingly never ends. The former second-round pick has the keys at Madison Square Garden, and the Knicks appear sure it’s going to be a smooth ride. “I think Jalen can provide whatever you need,” coach Tom Thibodeau said. “So if you need him to do more scoring, he can do that. If you need more playmaking, he can do that. If you need him to create pace and create movement, he can do that. You need a big 3, a big shot, he can do that. I love the way he can control and manage the game, and to me that’s the No. 1 function of a point guard.” Brunson broke out last season after Jason Kidd replaced Carlisle, averaging a career-best 16.3 points. That number grew to 21.6 per game in the postseason, including a 41-point performance in a first-round victory over Utah, as the Mavericks made a surprising run to the Western Conference finals. The New Jersey native then left Dallas for a $104 million contract in New York.

Quote: “It’s a difficult job, but it’s something that I think I’m capable of doing,” Brunson said.