Jalen Brunson Cleared for Knicks Training Camp After Wrist

Jalen Brunson is back on the court and ready to lead the New York Knicks' championship defense. The star point guard is about 80 to 85 percent recovered from left wrist surgery and will have no restrictions when training camp opens on September 29. This update comes as Brunson prepares to host Saturday Night Live and launches a new family-run business venture.

Brunson underwent surgery on July 7 to address a left wrist injury he originally suffered during Game 2 of the NBA Finals. ESPN's Vincent Goodwill reported on September 18 that Brunson was already back doing basketball activities without a brace. The expectation is for a full return to action by the time camp begins, a major relief for a Knicks team built around his play.

The injury makes his Finals performance even more impressive. Playing through the pain, the left-handed Brunson averaged 32.6 points in the series against the San Antonio Spurs. He scored 36 points in a historic Game 4 comeback from 29 points down and then erupted for 45 points in the title-clinching Game 5, securing New York's first championship since 1973 and earning unanimous Finals MVP honors.

On September 16, Brunson and his family launched Thirty Third Management Group, a New York-based brand advisory firm. The company's name references Brunson being selected 33rd overall in the 2018 NBA Draft. He is its first client, but the firm plans to work with other athletes, NIL talent, and entrepreneurs.

My family has been with me every step of the way, and everything we do is rooted in trust, Brunson said in a press release. Thirty Third gives us the chance to take ownership of my off-court business, to build something that reflects who we are, and to do it together.

The venture is a true family operation. His mother, Sandra Brunson, who has managed his business for eight years, serves as president. His sister, Erica Brunson, is the director of client services and will lead an initiative focused on supporting women's professional sports. Close friend Connor Cashaw handles business development. Financial advisory firm Focus Financial Partners is supporting the venture.

Brunson's championship summer continues with a major pop culture moment. NBC announced on September 9 that he will host the Season 52 premiere of Saturday Night Live on September 26. This honor, coming just weeks before the NBA season tips off, cements his status as a New York icon following the Knicks' dramatic title run. It's a rare crossover for an active NBA player, especially one preparing for a title defense.

• KEY TAKEAWAYS
• Jalen Brunson is nearly fully recovered from July wrist surgery and will be unrestricted for Knicks training camp starting Sept. 29.
• He and his family launched the Thirty Third Management Group on Sept. 16 to manage his business and support other clients, with a focus on women's sports.
• Brunson will host the Saturday Night Live season premiere on Sept. 26, adding to a memorable offseason as the reigning NBA Finals MVP.

The Knicks begin their preseason schedule against the Philadelphia 76ers on October 5. With their leader healthy, focused, and riding a wave of momentum from both on and off the court, the franchise's preparations for another championship run are firmly on track.