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Anthony Gharib, ESPNDec 3, 2024, 10:44 AM ET
Jalen Brunson didn’t just win over New York Knicks fans in 2024. He also inspired dog owners, too.
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Brunson was the top trending sports-related dog name in 2024 (up 161%), according to a recent report by pet sitting website Rover.
He had a memorable year for the Knicks, averaging a career-high 28.7 points and 6.7 assists as the franchise won 50 games for the first time since the 2013-14 season. Brunson also signed a team-friendly deal in free agency, tabling $113 million in order to give the Knicks roster flexibility.
NBA names were common among dog owners this year.
“Wemby,” the nickname of San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, came in at No. 2 behind Brunson, up 127%. Wembanyama won Rookie of the Year honors for the 2023-24 season.
Bronny James was represented too, as “Bronny” increased by 32%. In October, Bronny, who was the No. 55 pick in the 2024 NBA draft, and his father, LeBron, became the first father-son duo in NBA history to take the court together.
One of the new popular dog names was “Dogcic,” inspired by Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic.
“Witt,” inspired by Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. came in third among top trending sports-related dog names, up 111%. Last year’s No. 1 name, “Kelce” — after Travis and Jason Kelce — came in fourth place this year (up 51%).
Other top names included the surnames of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (47%) and Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs (31%). The first names of Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown were among some popular new names.
Inter Miami CF and Argentina soccer star Lionel Messi trended as well, with “Messi” increasing by 29%.
Other new names were inspired by Team USA gymnast Simone Biles (Sweet Simone), Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani (Shohei) and Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark, whose full name joined the list.
