Jayson Tatum makes optimistic prediction about conference rival New York Knicks for 2024-25 NBA season
Boston Celtics superstar forward Jayson Tatum recently made a series of predictions for this upcoming NBA season. That includes the five-time All-Star providing a bullish assessment of his Eastern Conference rival New York Knicks' chances of continuing their ascension.
Tatum's Celtics were the cream of the crop in the East last season, finishing with 14 more wins (64-18) than the conference's No. 2 seed. No team came close to upsetting them in the playoffs as they coasted to a 16-3 record en route to their historic 18th championship.
Nevertheless, many considered New York's season a success. The franchise, led by star point guard Jalen Brunson, secured its first 50-win season since the 2012-13 campaign, finishing second (50-32) in the East. The Knicks ultimately made their second straight Round 2 postseason appearance, falling in seven games to the Indiana Pacers.
New York has since made a blockbuster move, acquiring star wing Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets. Meanwhile, star forward Julius Randle continues to work his way back after undergoing season-ending right shoulder surgery in early April. Thus, at full strength, the Knicks project to be one of the Celtics' biggest conference threats.
On "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" Wednesday, host and prominent Knicks fan Jimmy Fallon asked Tatum if New York "will win more or less games."
After briefly hesitating, the reigning champion made an optimistic prediction about his East rival.
"They'll win a few more," Tatum said.
Jayson Tatum didn't mention exactly how many games he expects the Knicks to win or predict their seed. However, a win total in the mid-50s would likely secure the franchise another top seed in the top-heavy conference.
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Jayson Tatum predicts Celtics-Mavericks NBA Finals rematch
Jayson Tatum may view New York as a legitimate threat to Boston. Nonetheless, later in his "Tonight Show" appearance, he predicted his squad to prevail and rematch against the Dallas Mavericks in next year's NBA Finals.
"It's gonna be a rematch. We're gonna play Dallas again," Tatum said.
The fifth-seeded (50-32) Luka Doncic-led Mavericks made a surprise run to the finals last season, falling in five games to the Celtics. Thus, many predict another Western Conference powerhouse, like the OKC Thunder or Denver Nuggets, will overtake them.
However, Tatum seemingly played it safe with his answer, paying respect to his most recent opponent without stirring up any controversy.
This upcoming season, Boston will look to become the first team to win back-to-back championships since the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and 2018.
Also Read: Former Celtics coach tells Jayson Tatum that Luka Doncic was "damn near" better than him.