National Basketball Association

New York Knicks: Brandon Jennings Hungrier Than He's Ever Been

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

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New York Knicks sixth man Brandon Jennings hears everything that his critics have been saying. In turn, he’s hungrier than he’s ever been.

If only one thing can be said about Phil Jackson’s offseason acquisitions, it’s that New York Knicks fans are going to love them. Joakim Noah’s intensity, Derrick Rose’s craftiness, and Courtney Lee’s passion stand out from the rest.

It’s Brandon Jennings, however, who should set Madison Square Garden ablaze with his underrated and under-appreciated ability.

Jennings, who will turn 27 on September 23, has 460 regular season and 11 postseason games of NBA experience. After rupturing his achilles tendon on January 24, 2015, however, his supporters seemed to wither away.

During a recent appearance on The Stashed’s “33rd & 7th” podcast with Anthony Donahue, Jennings established just how hungry he is for success (h/t Ian Begley of ESPN New York).

“I’m as hungry as I’ve ever been now. I’m on a one-year deal. I’m coming off an Achilles injury, everybody [wrote] me off. So right now I’m hungry, I’m more hungry than ever,” Jennings said last week on The Stashed’s “33rd & 7th” podcast with Anthony Donahue.

It’s hard not to be excited.

Jennings saw severe declines in his averages and efficiency in 2015-16, which one would expect from a player who made an expedited return from injury. The fact that he even took the court—and only missed five of 53 games after his return—is encouraging unto itself.

The fact that Jennings is a career starter who’s transitioning to the fitting role of sixth man is reason enough to be excited about New York’s 2016-17 potential.

Entering the 2015-16 season, Jennings had career averages of 16.6 points, 6.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.9 3-point field goals made on 35.1 percent shooting from distance. As it pertains to his skill set, he’s capable of returning to that level of productivity.

Jackson has challenged Jennings to relish his new role and win Sixth Man of the Year.

If healthy, Jennings will have a compelling case for the award.