Justin Tatum Picks New York Knicks for 2027 NBA Title

Justin Tatum, father of Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, predicted that the New York Knicks will win the NBA championship during an appearance on the Ultimate Dads: Unplugged podcast released on August 25, 2026.

The declaration comes despite his son serving as the primary superstar for Atlantic Division rival Boston. The elder Tatum passed over the Celtics following a major roster shift that saw Jaylen Brown traded away from Boston.

During the podcast panel, which featured fathers of other prominent NBA figures including LaMelo Ball, Jaylen Brown, and Dwyane Wade, Justin Tatum evaluated current rosters across the league before backing the rival franchise.

"Realistically? S—, I might say New York might run it back… Right now, with their roster? S—…" said Justin Tatum, father of Jayson Tatum.

Other panel members largely supported their own sons' teams during the discussion, while Dwyane Wade Sr. declined to pick a team due to his son's long-standing retirement from professional basketball.

Jayson Tatum previously helped lead the Celtics to the 2024 NBA title, though he missed significant time over the subsequent two seasons recovering from a severe Achilles injury. While Brown secured Conference Finals and Finals MVP honors during that 2024 championship run, Tatum remains Boston's focal point as the team attempts to stay in Eastern Conference contention.