Former NBA champion Metta World Peace believes the New York Knicks are positioned to win the 2026 NBA championship, and he made his confidence clear while speaking with Dexter Henry of the New York Post during a mental health awareness event in New York City.
The former Knick and Queens native did not hesitate when asked about New York’s playoff run after the franchise advanced to the NBA Finals by sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals.
“They’re going to win in the finals,” World Peace said. “Prediction, support. Not rooting for anybody else. Whichever way you want to call it, that’s it. You know, we all in right now.”
The Knicks entered the postseason as the Eastern Conference’s No. 3 seed after finishing 53-29 and have built momentum with series wins over the Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers and Cavaliers. New York swept Cleveland 4-0 to reach the Finals.
World Peace explained that his optimism comes from both basketball reasons and personal ties to the city.
“As a kid that went to St. John’s and actually could have created that energy in the Garden, just imagine winning defensive player of the year in the Garden from Queens,” he said. “I thought that was going to be legendary.”
He also described what a championship would mean to New Yorkers after decades without a title.
“It’s going to mean just as much to me as every other New Yorker,” World Peace said. “We want to see it and I just can’t wait. I can’t wait to wear that New York Knicks shirt that says champion. I can’t wait to wear the hat. I can’t wait to get the shorts. I can’t wait to get the hoodie.”
The former forward added, “I can’t wait to go to a restaurant and talk to another New Yorker about it. I’m just excited.”
World Peace’s confidence extends beyond fandom. He argued that New York has key basketball advantages if it finishes the job, regardless of whether the opponent is the Oklahoma City Thunder or San Antonio Spurs. Oklahoma City currently leads San Antonio 3-2 in the Western Conference Finals.
“Jalen Brunson is the best player in the playoffs,” World Peace said. “If we have the best player in the playoffs and this coach right now is in his bag, if that’s the case, we have the best coach, the most experienced coach actually.”
He also pointed to postseason physicality as a factor favoring New York’s style.
“Jalen Brunson plays just like he’s in the 90s,” World Peace said. “The game is aggressive.”
The former NBA Defensive Player of the Year also praised Knicks owner James Dolan, arguing he deserves recognition if New York wins the title.
“He is the MVP, co-MVP with Brunson,” World Peace said. “Then after that we deserve our ring in New York City baby.”
