National Basketball Association

New York Knicks: Brandon Jennings Embracing New York Hype

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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New York Knicks point guard Brandon Jennings understands the pressure of playing at The Mecca. He’s ready and willing to embrace the burden.

The New York Knicks received widespread praise from the NBA community for signing Brandon Jennings to a one-year deal worth $5 million. The risk is legitimate, but the potential benefits are impossible to ignore.

Promising as he may be, Jennings understands just how much pressure he’s facing as a member of the Knicks.

Jennings won fans over during the 2016 NBA preseason with his flashy approach to the game and unfiltered passion. He’s far from in the clear, however, as Knicks fans are unforgivingly hungry for a postseason appearance.

According to Al Iannazzone of Newsday, Jennings has one broad goal for the 2016-17 NBA season: play hard.

“The thing I was told about being a Knick was if you play with passion and play hard every night you’ll be loved. So that’s all I want to do: just play hard.”

That mentality has already endeared Jennings to Knicks fans across New York.

The Knicks haven’t made the NBA Playoffs since 2012-13, when Carmelo Anthony led New York to 54 wins. In the three seasons that have followed, the Knicks have gone 37-45, 17-65, and 32-50.

Another season without a postseason appearance would likely cause fans to call for team president Phil Jackson to clean house and rebuild the roster.

Jennings projects to be the type of dynamic playmaker who can help transform the Knicks into something special. He plays with a pure passion for the game and a skill set that’s proven effective in the NBA.

Entering the 2016-17 NBA regular season, Jennings has career averages of 15.5 points, 5.9 assists, 3.1 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 1.8 3-point field goals made per game.

Jackson has challenged Jennings to win Sixth Man of the Year and Andre Drummond pegged him as the favorite for Most Improved Player. Both awards could be attainable for Jennings, whose effort will not waver.

The process will begin on Tuesday, October 25.

Daunting a task as it may be, Jennings is embracing the New York hype.