The New York Knicks have found an unlikely supporter in their pursuit of consecutive NBA championships: the father of the Boston Celtics‘ franchise player.
Justin Tatum, whose son Jayson remains the face of the Celtics, selected the Knicks as his early favorite to win the 2027 NBA Finals during an appearance on Ultimate Dads Unplugged.
“Realistically, I might say New York might run it back,” Tatum said.
LaVar Ball, one of the podcast’s hosts, immediately challenged him. Why would Tatum choose the Knicks instead of the Celtics, the team built around his son?
His answer was blunt.
“Right now, [the Celtics’] roster [is] s—,” Tatum said.
The opinion belonged to Justin, not Jayson, but it provided a striking assessment of the balance of power between two Atlantic Division rivals. The Celtics have spent the summer reshaping their roster. The Knicks have largely trusted the group that delivered the franchise’s first championship since 1973.
Knicks Bring Back Championship Core
New York’s case for repeating begins with continuity.
Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges remain together after navigating a demanding postseason. Brunson supplies the late-game scoring. Towns stretches opposing defenses from the center position. Anunoby and Bridges give the Knicks versatile perimeter defenders capable of changing assignments throughout a playoff series.
The most consequential departure was Mitchell Robinson, who signed a three-year, $47.4 million contract with Boston.
Robinson’s offensive rebounding and rim protection were critical during the championship run. The Knicks replaced him with veteran center Andre Drummond, a productive rebounder who does not offer Robinson’s mobility or defensive range.
That change creates a legitimate concern. It does not alter the strength of New York’s returning core or the value of its shared postseason experience.
The Knicks know how they want to play, whom they trust in closing lineups and where their offense turns when a possession breaks down. Several Eastern Conference challengers are still learning those things.
Eastern Conference Rivals Load Up
GettyJayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics hugs his father, Justin Tatum, after Boston’s 106-88 win against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts.
Boston traded Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia for Paul George, ending the long-running partnership between Brown and Jayson Tatum.
George, Derrick White and Robinson give Boston substantial talent around Tatum. George’s age and injury history, however, leave questions about whether the Celtics can survive four playoff rounds.
Philadelphia added Brown and LeBron James to a roster featuring Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe and Joel Embiid. Miami acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo, pairing him with Bam Adebayo before adding Klay Thompson and Tim Hardaway Jr. to supply perimeter shooting.
Toronto also has a trade for Kawhi Leonard pending, a move that could return the franchise to the contender conversation.
New York will not enter its title defense with an uncontested path through the East. No defending champion does.
But the Knicks possess something their rivals are trying to manufacture: proof that this particular group can withstand the postseason and finish the job.
Justin Tatum’s dismissal of Boston was intentionally provocative. His belief in the Knicks was easier to defend.
New York won the championship. Until somebody takes it away, the road through the East still runs through Madison Square Garden.
Knicks Get Bold Repeat Prediction From Conference Rival’s Father