Jalen Brunson, fresh off bringing the New York Knicks their first title in over 50 years, is officially tapped to host the season premiere of “Saturday Night Live.” It’s the FIRST FOUR of Season 52, and Brunson is kicking it off!
The Knicks’ Epic Summer Is Just Getting Started
New York City has been in a full-blown love-fest with the Knicks since they absolutely took down the San Antonio Spurs back in June. Two million people at the victory parade! Karl-Anthony Towns had a wedding with a guest list loaded with celebrity super-fans like Ben Stiller and Timothee Chalamet. And the real cherry on top? Owner James Dolan didn’t drop a single piece of music. That’s a true win for the city! Brunson’s musical guest will be global girl group Katseye, which, thank goodness, is not some Third Eye Blind cover band fronted by Karl-Anthony Towns. You gotta believe his Villanova buddies Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges might even pop up in a sketch. Sadly, our Forever Warrior Donte DiVincenzo is probably too busy rehabbing that Achilles tear to make an appearance.
A Hooper’s Legacy on the SNL Stage
Brunson, the reigning Finals MVP, is only the fifth NBA player ever to host the show. He’s walking in the footsteps of legends like LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and Charles Barkley, who’s hosted four times, just one short of that legendary Five-Timers’ Club. Bill Russell even hosted, though he was retired. It’s wild because a Knick has been on SNL before! Bill Bradley, a forward for New York and future U.S. Senator, was the first Knick on SNL back on October 18, 1975, for the show’s second episode ever. He presented a trophy to host Paul Simon after a film showed Simon beating Connie Hawkins one-on-one. Brunson’s September 26, 2026 appearance marks the first time a Knick has hosted, making him a true pioneer.
But Seriously, Steph Curry Has To Be Next
While Brunson is doing his thing, if SNL wants to keep the baller energy going, they absolutely have to get Steph Curry next. Yeah, Brunson’s super popular, but Curry’s got the comedic chops. He’s hosted the ESPY’s, even poked a little fun at LeBron there, and starred in his own mockumentary series, “Mr. Throwback.” This dude is built for TV. Plus, Curry’s got serious history in New York. He’s 12-1 at Madison Square Garden! He dropped 54 points in a 2013 game and broke the all-time three-point record there in 2021. New York fans have loved him since his Davidson Wildcats upset West Virginia in the Garden back in college. He’s comfortable on camera, and at 6-foot-3, he actually fits on screen with the regular SNL cast members way better than a Shaq-sized legend.
Get ready for Brunson to light up 30 Rock. But seriously, the next call needs to be to Steph Curry. Imagine the sketches, the energy! It’s what the people want.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Golden State of Mind.
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