NBA Champion Star Jalen Brunson to Host SNL, New York Celebrities May Turn Out to Support

Jalen Brunson is set to host Saturday Night Live. The star who just led the New York Knicks to the championship has been chosen as the host for the opening episode of the long-running comedy show's new season.

The jump from the basketball court to the studio

The past year has certainly been eventful for Brunson. He led the Knicks to their first NBA championship since the early 1970s, and the entire city celebrated throughout the summer. He was also named Finals MVP and appeared on WWE programming as a longtime wrestling fan. With a wife he met in high school and a young daughter, life has been going smoothly. Now he has added another role — SNL host.

The program announced the first four hosts for the new season on social media this afternoon, with Brunson scheduled for the first episode. It may seem surprising at first glance, but it makes sense on closer thought. SNL has long enjoyed inviting high-profile athletes and has also maintained strong connections with popular New York celebrities and public figures. Brunson fits both categories, and his previous media appearances have shown that he has strong on-camera charisma when he chooses to step in front of the camera.

Teammates and celebrities could make appearances

This hosting appearance could also bring a group of additional guests to the show. The most obvious choices would be his Knicks teammates. When Derek Jeter hosted in the past, he brought several New York Yankees teammates along, and Brunson may do something similar, with possible appearances from Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, and perhaps more. Even if they only appear briefly during the opening monologue, the group could still receive a huge reaction from the audience.

There is another special opportunity: the New York Knicks have an enormous number of celebrity fans. Ben Stiller, Adam Sandler, Tracy Morgan, Jimmy Fallon, Tina Fey, Chris Rock, and Larry David are all devoted Knicks supporters, and they have all worked on the show. Others such as Spike Lee, Jerry Seinfeld, Taylor Swift, Timothée Chalamet, Mariska Hargitay, and Fat Joe, who are often seen courtside, have also hosted or appeared on SNL. The show could bring these people into a sketch with Brunson, creating a fan-themed comedy segment and generating more attention.

He deserves this moment

Regardless of the final result, Brunson taking the stage at Studio 8H feels fitting in itself. He comes across as genuine and down-to-earth, and no matter where he and the Knicks go in the future, the city will continue to support him. Athletes have also had many successful guest-hosting appearances, with Peyton Manning and Charles Barkley among those who performed very well in the past.

Besides Brunson, several other SNL hosts for the new season are worth watching. He will lead off on September 26, followed by Dakota Johnson, Shane Gillis, and Inde Navarrette, with musical guests appearing as well.