Currently setting career highs in the NBA playoffs, Houston Rockets point guard Chris Paul was named as the next host of the Nickelodeon’s “Kids’ Choice Sports” Awards on Thursday.
Paul takes over the honor from Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson, who hosted the slim-filled show for the past three years.
“I am honored that Nickelodeon asked me to host this year’s ‘Kids’ Choice Sports’ Awards,” the former L.A. Clippers player said in a statement from the network. “I grew up on Nickelodeon and now love watching it with my kids, and I can’t wait to share this experience with them. I promise to bring the fun, the slime and the most epic stunts in ‘Kids’ Choice Sports history.’”
This year’s “Kids’ Choice Sports” will also move from UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles to Barker Hangar in Santa Monica.
The show with tape live on Thursday, July 19, and air on Nickelodeon on Sunday, July 22 at 8 p.m.
In addition, Mohawked blimps have been presented to: Laurie Hernandez, LeBron James, Rob Gronkowski, Dez Bryant, Lindsey Vonn, Danica Patrick, Carmelo Anthony, Gabby Douglas, Alex Morgan, Dwyane Wade, Stephen Curry, Odell Beckham Jr., Mike Trout, Serena Williams, Usain Bolt, Simone Biles and many others.
Having previously played for the Charlotte Hornets and L.A. Clippers, Paul is going to the NBA conference finals for the first time after the Rockets eliminated the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, partly thanks to him scoring a career-playoff-high of 41 points. They now face the current champions, the Golden State Warriors, led by Steph Curry and Kevin Durant.
Nickelodeon’s “Kids’ Choice Sports 2018” is produced by Done and Dusted in association with Nickelodeon Productions. Jay Schmalholz and Shelly Sumpter Gillyard are executive producers. Constance Schwartz and Michael Strahan of SMAC Entertainment will serve as executive producers, alongside Ian Stewart and Hamish Hamilton of Done and Dusted with Hamilton also serving as director of the show.