Here's a first look at Jalen Brunson hosting 'Saturday Night Live' image
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In June, Jalen Brunson helped lead the New York Knicks to their first NBA Championship since 1953. Now, the Knicks point guard is checking another milestone off of his bucket list.
Brunson is set to host "Saturday Night Live" on Saturday, as the season kicks off its 52nd season. Brunson will become the latest athlete to serve as host of "Saturday Night Live," as Fran Tarkenton was the first in 1977 and Travis Kelce the most recent in 2023.
While there have been 34 athletes ever to host the show before Brunson, the point guard will channel players like Eli Manning and Derek Jeter as New York champions to host the show coming off of a championship.
Additionally, Brunson will be just the fifth basketball player to host the show, as the basketball season schedule tends to run parallel to the SNL schedule. He will join Bill Russell, Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley and LeBron James in that honor.
Here's the first look at Brunson hosting "Saturday Night Live" this weekend.
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Jalen Brunson 'Saturday Night Live' promo
With Brunson set to host "Saturday Night Live" this weekend, NBC released the first promo of Brunson on set. The short clip shows Brunson interacting with cast member Ben Marshall, and the Knicks guard trying to use the key to New York City to get into Studio 8H.
Brunson successfully leading the Knicks to their first title in 53 years will surely be one of the several topics covered on the season premiere episode. The expectation is that Brunson isn't the only member of the defending-champion Knicks to show up, as several of his teammates will also likely appear at some point in the episode.
While Brunson doesn't have the biggest personality among athletes, his status as the star of a Knicks championship team gives him a unique perspective as he hosts the New York-based show.