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See the full story · 1 sourcesJun 18, 2026; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown poses for a photo with mayor Zohran Mamdani after receiving a key to the city during a ceremony at New York City Hall after the championship parade. © Brad Penner-Imagn Images
At the conclusion of the 2025-26 NBA season, New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani was spotted celebrating with New York Knicks players after winning they won the NBA championship. Mamdani has become one of the most polarizing figures in American politics, and an NBA champion just called him out on social media.
NBA Champion Kyle Kuzma Criticizes Zohran Mamdani While Airing Grievances
Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma called out Mamdani on social media for trying to be something he isn’t. The NBA champion said, “This is 2026. People cosplaying as things they don’t have the authority, the talent, or the track record to actually be. Just for content. A mayor playing president.”
Kuzma added, “Were raising a generation that learning the reward isn’t in doing the thing it’s in looking like you did the thing. Don’t fall for distractions.”
Kuzma reacted to a video of Mayor Mamdani condemning Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu. Many people believe Mamdani is a rising star in politics, while critics like Kuzma are skeptical.
Kuzma followed up with a sarcastic tweet about his social media presence. “Let me just shut up and dribble,” he wrote.
Mamdani helped the Knicks celebrate their NBA championship by hosting a ticker tape parade and ceremony at City Hall. He gave a passionate speech while interacting with multiple members of the organization.
This has been a noteworthy summer for politics and basketball crossing over. Members of Congress called for the WNBA to take action against what they believe is unfair treatment against Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark. Clark and the other WNBA All-Stars recently interacted with 44th U.S. President Barack Obama during All-Star Weekend in Chicago.
MORE: Ex-NBA MVP Derrick Rose Couldn’t Care Less About LeBron James Joining 76ers
Now, Kuzma’s comments will certainly generate more headlines. He’s entering the final year of his four-year, $90 million contract that many league insiders believe has been a bust. Kuzma originally signed the deal with the Washington Wizards, but was traded to the Bucks last year as the team attempted to make a deep playoff run.
Kuzma hasn’t made an impact in Milwaukee, as the Bucks are now entering a rebuild following the trade of former franchise player Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat.
Kuzma averaged 13 points per game last season, his lowest scoring output in four years, and has reportedly been on the trading block for several months. It remains to be seen if Kuzma’s comments on Mamdani and other polarizing topics will impact his trade value.
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