Derrick Rose's prediction about the Knicks that came true

Derrick Rose never stopped believing in the possibilities of New York Knicks during the playoffs of the 2025-26 season. The former NBA MVP, who wore the franchise's jersey between 2021 and 2023, closely followed the team's journey towards their first championship in over half a century and even predicted they would end up winning the title.

In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Rose explained that he actively supported the Knicks throughout their championship run and particularly highlighted his relationship with Jalen Brunson, with whom he shared a season in New York.

"I thought they would win the whole time," Rose admitted. "My son is a fan of Jalen [Brunson]. So he was cheering for them throughout the playoffs. I called Rick [Brunson] right before they got to the Finals and told him they were going to play against Wemby [Victor Wembanyama]. And that if they were going to play against them, they would win."

Derrick Rose always believed in the Knicks

Rose's confidence in the Knicks wasn't just evident when the team reached the Finals. The former player asserted that he was convinced throughout the entire postseason that New York had a real chance to go all the way.

The Knicks made history in the 2025-26 season by winning the NBA championship after more than half a century of waiting.

The team led by Jalen Brunson completed an extraordinary playoff run, with a record of 16-3, before defeating the San Antonio Spurs, led by Victor Wembanyama, in the Finals in five games.

Brunson was also named Finals MVP, capping off a historic season for the franchise.

The Knicks' path to the championship

Rose was especially happy for Jalen Brunson

The title held special meaning for Rose due to his past in New York and his relationship with Brunson.

Rose played for the Knicks between 2021 and 2023 and was an important piece of the team during that period. Furthermore, he shared a season with Brunson before playing his final year in the NBA in 2023-24.

Thus, seeing the guard lead the Knicks to the championship was particularly significant for the former MVP.

"Everything went well, and I am very happy for Jalen," Rose added. "I am happy for his family, just like for Rick, for all the time he dedicated to his family and Jalen."

Rose followed Brunson's journey from a distance and did not hide his satisfaction at seeing him become a champion and Finals MVP.

"I watched from a distance, but it’s inspiring."

A prediction that came true

One of the most striking details of Rose's statements is that even before the Finals, he had anticipated how the season might end.

The former player shared that he called Rick Brunson, Jalen's father and a member of the Knicks' coaching staff, just before New York reached the Finals.

In that conversation, Rose predicted that the Knicks would face Wembanyama's Spurs and that they would be able to beat them.

Ultimately, his prediction came true. New York defeated San Antonio in five games, ending one of the longest waits in the franchise's history.

Derrick Rose, a special bond with New York

Although Rose was not part of the Knicks when the championship came, his time with the franchise allowed him to establish a connection with the team and some of its players.

Between 2021 and 2023, the former MVP was one of the pieces of New York's project and shared a locker room with Brunson for a season.

Now, from outside the courts, Rose was able to enjoy the culmination of the project that began to take shape during those years.

His message also reflects the bond he still maintains with the organization and, especially, with the Brunson family.

For Rose, the Knicks' championship was not just another NBA title. It was the culmination of a project he believed in during the playoffs and the moment when one of his former teammates became champion and Finals MVP.

"I thought they would win the whole time," Rose insisted.

And this time, his confidence was rewarded.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, La predicción de Derrick Rose sobre los Knicks que terminó haciéndose realidad