Add The New York Post on Google The King of New York is now trying sketch comedy.
Jalen Brunson was announced as the host of “Saturday Night Live” on Sept. 26, becoming the first Knick to ever host the iconic comedy show.
Brunson, who just turned 30 last week, is fresh off his thrilling run to the NBA championship as the Finals MVP, displaying clutch heroics while ending the Knicks’ 53-year title drought.
Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, his wife Ali and the Championship trophy ride on a float during a ticker-tape parade along Broadway through Lower Manhattan’s historic Canyon of Heroes on Thursday, June 18, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post He was celebrated with trophies, plaudits, confetti and now the featured spot on SNL.
And considering the previous hosts, it’s a high honor.
Brunson will be just the fifth NBA player to host after Bill Russell, Michael Jordan, LeBron James and Charles Barkley (who did it three times), according to a list compiled by Sporting News.
Brunson will also be just the third athlete host from a New York-based team, joining Eli Manning and Derek Jeter.
The point guard has been honing his ad-lib skills as a podcaster with teammate Josh Hart, and the duo is hosting its own live show at Randall’s Island Park on Sept. 24 — two days before Brunson performs at 30 Rockefeller Plaza.
Brunson’s episode kicks off the 52nd season of “SNL” and airs at 11:30 p.m. on NBC. The musical guest is pop group Katseye.
Knicks guard Jalen Brunson holds up the MVP trophy after defeating the San Antonio Spurs to win the NBA Championship on Saturday, June 13, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post In an interview with The Post last month, Brunson revealed that coaching or working in media are two career options after he’s done playing.
“Me and Josh have a podcast [“The Roommates Show”] that’s given me something to think about. It’s done well. And so that’s something I can think about,” Brunson said. “But coaching? I think when I was younger, I always wanted to coach after I was done playing. I think, at this rate, where I am now, I would coach high school or the pros. I would not want to coach college.”
“I think it’s not for me,” Brunson answered.
