Sep 23, 2025; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson speaks to the media during a media day press conference at the Madison Square Garden training center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Jalen Brunson’s Slim-Down Sends a Message to Eastern Conference

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Justin Grasso | Last updated Sep 28, 2025 8:37 AM ET

Word out of New York City is that Jalen Brunson is lighter these days.

According to the New York Post, Brunson has slimmed down. The All-Star guard wouldn’t give the press an exact number, but he was open to discussing.

“It was important for me to be a little lighter just throughout the course of the season,” Brunson told reporters following the New York Knicks’ training camp practice.

“Not even being lighter, I’m not that much lighter, definitely more toned, and like that, but it’s just important for me to get my body in the best shape possible, I can, and go from there.”

Brunson doesn’t exactly collect the same type of criticism as some other stars, such as Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid, who tend to hear about their weight and shape more than most.

However, he falls under the “undersized” category. And while some of his foul calls might be questionable at times, Brunson still plays a pretty physical game. The combination of being on the smaller side and taking plenty of hits makes for a tough time in a long season.

The Knicks want to play faster under new head coach Mike Brown. And since they’ve been one of the top Eastern Conference teams over the past few years, Brunson and the Knicks plan to be in play deep into the year.

Last season, the Knicks finished the year with a 51-31 record. They trailed only the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference standings.

By collecting the third seed, the Knicks picked up a first-round series against the Detroit Pistons. While the Pistons put up a good fight, the young and scrappy squad out of Michigan could outduel the Knicks. Detroit advanced in six games.

The Knicks went toe-to-toe with the defending NBA Champions, the Boston Celtics, in round two. As the Celtics struggled to mirror last year’s success and battled through critical setbacks, Brunson and the Knicks took full advantage and knocked them out. For the first time in decades, the Knicks were one series away from the NBA Finals.

Unfortunately, the run ended against the Indiana Pacers. The Knicks might’ve made it far, but they made big changes over the summer. Brunson did his part by making some minor tweaks. If all goes right for New York, Brunson will be even more of a threat to the Eastern Conference.

Last season, Brunson was an All-Star for the second year in a row. In 65 games, he posted averages of 26.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game. Brunson averaged 49 percent from the field and knocked down threes at a 38 percent clip.

While the slim-down effort wasn't exactly major, Brunson could be sending a clear message to the Eastern Conference: The New York Knicks are coming with a fresh approach, and they are prepared to put it to use deep into the season.