Well, as it turns out, Timothée isn’t just known for his impeccable taste in indie films or his role as the leading man in Dune. He’s also carving a niche for himself as a legit sports pundit, specifically, a basketball connoisseur. The debate about his legitimacy started picking up steam recently, especially after Chalamet’s performance on College GameDay in December 2024. The guest-picker gig, initially assumed to be a promotional stunt for his film, A Complete Unknown , turned heads when the actor rattled off a series of impressively informed college football predictions. “I'm going Jackson State,” he declared with the confidence of a seasoned analyst. “Eight wins in a row, 11 All-Conference players… this should be a comfortable, easy win for them.”
“Timothee Chalamet, I owe you an apology — I wasn’t familiar with your game.” pic.twitter.com/MDq0vcbSnT
— College Sports Only 🏈 🏀 ⚾️ (@CollegeSportsO) December 7, 2024
That’s when the chatter began: Was Chalamet just a celebrity dabbling in sports talk, or did he really have the knowledge to back it up?
Chalamet also revealed his aspirations in an interview with Entertainment Tonight, where he expressed interest in pivoting to sports analysis should his acting career ever slow down. “You know, acting's not always a reliable gig,” he quipped. “If I can get a nice six to eight month ESPN gig, like Stephen A. Smith, that’d be great. If the acting well runs dry, you know, I’ll be ready.” It seems the actor’s deep connection to sports is far from a passing hobby, he genuinely envisions himself in the sports world should Hollywood ever lose its luster. And it was this desire that prompted Stephen A. Smith to offer a helping hand, saying, “I see you little bro. Down to show you the ropes whenever.”
I see you little bro @RealChalamet.
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) December 11, 2024
Down to show you the ropes whenever https://t.co/Q39c3f7OHO
In July 2023, Chalamet’s basketball street cred took another step up when he joined Adam Sandler for a casual three-on-three game in a New York park. While the pair were simply enjoying the game, the moment spoke volumes about Chalamet’s down-to-earth connection to basketball, a far cry from his polished Hollywood image.
The Knicks courtside passion
No longer just a theoretical sports enthusiast, Chalamet made his love for the New York Knicks a very public affair. Whether at Madison Square Garden or shooting the breeze with Knicks players like Karl-Anthony Towns, the actor has demonstrated time and again that his allegiance isn’t just for show. During Game 4 of the NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Boston Celtics , Chalamet was a man possessed—pumped up with Knicks fever. His animated reactions to every play had fans on social media buzzing. “Dude’s really turning into a certified Knicks superfan,” one user remarked. Another said, “Tim passes de vibe check.”
The guy was practically jumping out of his seat every time the Knicks made a big play, shouting and clapping in sync with the crowd. And let's not forget his energetic exchange with Karl-Anthony Towns, when Chalamet screamed “Let’s [explicit] go!” after a big moment, you’d be forgiven for thinking he had a seat on the roster, not just the courtside.
Timothée Chalamet is living and dying with every possession while sitting next to his girlfriend Kylie Jenner under the basket at MSG for Celtics-Knicks Game 4@WEEI @WFAN660 #Celtics #DifferentHere pic.twitter.com/63503Sa9mw
— Tom Carroll (@yaboiTCfresh) May 13, 2025
Chalamet’s energy wasn’t the only thing catching eyes—his wardrobe also made a statement. Dressed in a black Knicks tee, Timberland boots, and a silver chain, he looked every bit the die-hard fan. He was, without question, channeling his inner Spike Lee (the Knicks' most famous courtside fixture). Former Knicks star Amar’e Stoudemire even weighed in, calling Chalamet “the next Spike Lee,” a badge of honor for any true New York basketball fanatic.
Timothée Chalamet sitting court-side with Kylie and Kendall Jenner getting hyped during the Knicks game at Madison Square Garden. pic.twitter.com/8tjoTNsBtt
— Timothée Chalamet Files (@tchalametfiles) May 13, 2025
“He’s hardcore,” Stoudemire said, speaking to TMZ Sports . “He’s, like, the next Spike Lee when it comes to Knicks diehard fans.” And, as Stoudemire knows all too well, fans like Chalamet make a difference. “We play our hearts out. We give the game our everything. And to see fans who really appreciate that, it goes a long way.”
A lifetime of Knicks love
The thing is, Chalamet’s Knicks obsession didn’t just appear overnight. His passion for the team runs deep—deep enough that he’s been supporting the Knicks since his pre-teen years. Fans unearthed a photo of a young Chalamet, just 14 years old, getting his Knicks jersey signed by none other than Amar’e Stoudemire outside a Broadway show. You can imagine the thrill on a young Chalamet’s face, starstruck by the player who would later be his peer, courtside at Madison Square Garden. Fast forward to the present, and Chalamet’s Instagram feed is proof that his love for the team has only grown stronger. His post with Stoudemire after the May 12 game, captioned “TIED THE LOOP,” was a nostalgic nod to his basketball roots, and a full-circle moment for the actor-turned-superfan.
Timothee Chalamet really does know ball.
— Dime (@DimeUPROXX) December 10, 2024
(via @landryfields) pic.twitter.com/RD6Ss0Nkl0
It’s not just the current players that draw him to the games. Chalamet has long had ties to Knicks legends, with a memorable photo of him meeting Landry Fields and Andy Rautins after winning tickets to a game in a contest years ago.
https://www.instagram.com/bleacherreport/p/DDZ3wjzvdB5/?img_index=1 https://www.instagram.com/bleacherreport/p/DDZ3wjzvdB5/?img_index=1
The early days: Football, Knicks, and friendship
Let’s not forget that Chalamet’s athletic history stretches beyond basketball. His childhood wasn’t just filled with acting lessons and art-house film marathons; he was also a budding sports enthusiast. In fact, one of the more intriguing snippets of Chalamet’s past came to light recently: a childhood photo showing him playing against Joe Gomez , now a professional soccer player for Liverpool, in a youth football match. It’s these formative years, playing sports in the streets of New York, that laid the foundation for Chalamet’s long-standing connection to athletics. His early days playing football show a side to the actor that not many would expect, especially considering his current status as one of Hollywood’s most polished and refined stars.
since everyone’s talking about Timothee Chalamet’s attachment to sports, here’s a picture of him and, current Liverpool centre back, Joe Gomez after they played eachother as kids😭🤷🏾♂️ pic.twitter.com/19TQCTZNKb
— stranger (@MUFCstranger) December 10, 2024
An unlikely pairing with Kylie Jenner
Of course, no Timothée Chalamet appearance is complete without a nod to his relationship with Kylie Jenner—who, let’s be honest, has raised more than a few eyebrows sitting courtside at Knicks games. While Chalamet looks right at home in the stands, feverishly cheering for the team, Jenner’s presence feels more out of place. Many fans have pointed out the odd pairing, with some suggesting she looks more like his “mom” than his girlfriend. It’s a juxtaposition that adds an extra layer of intrigue to their relationship, one that raises questions about how a star of Chalamet’s caliber could end up with the Kardashian-Jenner clan. Their relationship, though undoubtedly real, has left fans scratching their heads, trying to figure out how two worlds so disparate could collide in such a public way.
But despite the head-turning pairings and questionable court-side vibes, one thing is clear: Chalamet’s basketball passion is the real deal. From his childhood memories of Knicks fandom to his recent energetic courtside appearances, Timothée Chalamet has made it known that his love for the game is not just for show. Whether he’s giving sports analysis or screaming “Let’s [explicit] go!” at a Knicks game, Chalamet is no longer just the quirky, intellectual actor, he’s the basketball fanatic who knows ball.
You may also like
New industrial policy to be announced soon: Haryana Minister
PIL in Madras HC seeks transfer of TASMAC scam-related FIRs to CBI
Incredible discovery at site of Noah's Ark could prove Biblical story is true
Matthew Perry's tragic fear that destroyed his love life before drugs spiral
"Those who cast evil eye on India...naya Bharat ghar mein ghus kar maarega": Gajendra Shekhawat lauds Op Sindoor