Former NBA MVP Derrick Rose recently revealed he predicted the New York Knicks' championship victory, specifically calling their Finals win over the Victor Wembanyama-led San Antonio Spurs. The retired guard's confidence in the team, particularly star Jalen Brunson, comes as the Knicks maintain strong recent form with four straight wins.

What did Derrick Rose say about the Knicks?

"I kind of had them winning the entire time," Rose told Sports Illustrated. He explained his son's fandom played a part. "My son is a Jalen [Brunson] fan. So he was cheering for them the whole playoffs."

Rose made a specific call to Rick Brunson, Jalen's father, just before the Finals. He told him the Knicks would face Wembanyama and that they would win. The prediction proved correct, with the Knicks sealing the title with a 94-90 victory over the Spurs on June 14, 2026.

Rose added he's especially happy for Jalen Brunson. The two shared a brief stint as teammates, and the former MVP holds clear respect for the Knicks' current floor general. This endorsement from a respected veteran highlights the team's perceived strength during their playoff run.

How did Derrick Rose's Knicks tenure unfold?

The Knicks acquired Rose after his iconic seven-season run with the Chicago Bulls. He appeared in 64 games for New York during the 2016-2017 season, providing veteran leadership and scoring bursts.

Rose left in free agency for the Cleveland Cavaliers before the 2017-2018 campaign. His journey then included stops with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Detroit Pistons over the next three seasons.

In a notable return, the Pistons traded Rose back to the Knicks during the 2020-2021 season after he played 15 games in Detroit. He finished that season in New York and played two full seasons there before a final stint with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2023-2024.

While Rose is a Bulls legend, his time with the Knicks formed an important chapter in his 15-year career. Seeing his former club win it all clearly means something to the retired guard.

What is the current context for the New York Knicks?

The Knicks are riding high after their championship and continue to perform. Their last result was that Finals-clinching 94-90 win against San Antonio on June 14, 2026.

Looking at their recent form, the team has won four consecutive games. Their last five outings show a record of 4 wins and 1 loss (WWWWL), putting them on a solid winning run as they build into the new season. Fans can track this momentum and upcoming games on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page.

This current success validates the belief figures like Derrick Rose had in the squad. The core, led by Jalen Brunson, has demonstrated it can win on the biggest stage. Team chemistry and execution in the playoffs were major factors in their title.

Rose's comments reflect a broader recognition of the Knicks' constructed identity. They've built a tough, defensive-minded team that can also score efficiently. Managing the roster and potential [injuries](/injuries) will be key to sustaining this level of play.

The franchise's future looks bright with a championship core in place. Maintaining this standard is the next challenge for the organization as they defend their title.