Jayson Tatum's father, Justin Tatum, has snubbed his son's team, picking the New York Knicks to win the 2027 NBA championship. The surprising prediction comes as the Knicks are in strong recent form, having won their last four games, including a 94-90 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on June 14, 2026.
What did Justin Tatum say?
During an appearance on the Ultimate Dads: Unplugged podcast, Justin Tatum was asked which team he expects to win the NBA title. He chose the Knicks over his son's Boston Celtics. "Realistically? S, I might say New York might run it back… Right now, with their roster? S, …" he said. The podcast panel included the fathers of LaMelo Ball, Jaylen Brown, and Dwyane Wade. Most of them backed their sons' teams, while Dwyane Wade Sr. did not pick a team as his son is retired.
This is an odd choice given Jayson Tatum's success. He was a key part of the Celtics' 2024 championship run. Tatum spent much of the last two seasons injured but has made a full recovery. With Jaylen Brown traded, Tatum is now the sole superstar in Boston. The Celtics' roster is weaker, but Tatum remains an elite two-way player and a proven leader on the court.
Why is this prediction surprising?
The pick is a direct snub of Jayson Tatum's abilities. Justin Tatum did not give his son a chance to win another title. Jayson Tatum has been one of the NBA's most prolific players in recent years. The concern in Boston is whether he can deliver in clutch moments like Brown did during the 2024 playoffs. Brown earned both Conference Finals MVP and NBA Finals MVP honors that year.
Despite the roster changes, the Celtics are still considered a heavyweight in the Eastern Conference. They cannot be ruled out of making another Finals run. You can track the evolving Eastern Conference race on our [standings](/standings) page. The Knicks' recent 4W-0D-1L form (WWWWL) shows they are a team on the rise, justifying some external confidence.
What's next for the New York Knicks?
The Knicks will look to build on their current four-game winning streak. Their last result was a tight 94-90 win against the San Antonio Spurs. Maintaining this momentum will be key for their championship aspirations. The team's roster construction and health will be major factors over the next season.
Fans can follow the team's upcoming schedule on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page. Internal development and potential roster moves will shape their path. Justin Tatum's bold prediction adds an interesting layer to the Atlantic Division rivalry. It sets up a compelling narrative for the 2026-27 NBA season. Only time will tell if his fatherly instinct about New York's chances proves correct.
