John McEnroe said Charles Barkley should not pick the New York Knicks during the 2026 NBA Finals [1].
As a lifelong supporter of the franchise, McEnroe said he was concerned that Barkley's selection could influence public perception of the team's prospects. The interaction highlights the intersection of high-profile sports personalities and the intense pressure surrounding the Knicks' pursuit of a championship.
The exchange occurred in May 2026 during Game 4 [1, 2] of the finals at Madison Square Garden [3]. McEnroe, 67 [4], said the analyst should avoid selecting the New York team in his predictions.
"Whatever you do, don't pick the Knicks," McEnroe said [5].
In another instance of the plea, McEnroe said, "Please, Charles, whatever you do, don’t pick the Knicks" [6].
Beyond his interactions with Barkley, McEnroe balanced his support for the team with his professional commitments in Europe. He said he wanted to conclude his work at the French Open to ensure he could be present for the team's home appearances.
"I'm anxious to wrap up my French Open duties and get home for the Knicks' first home game of the Finals," McEnroe said [7].
The former world-number-one tennis player has long been associated with the New York sports scene. His public appeals during the 2026 series underscore the emotional stakes for the city's fanbase as the team competed for the title [1].
“"Whatever you do, don't pick the Knicks."”
This interaction reflects the superstition and psychological intensity often found in New York sports culture, where fans and celebrities fear that a 'picked' favorite may be cursed or face undue pressure. By urging a prominent analyst like Charles Barkley to avoid naming the Knicks as the winner, McEnroe is engaging in a common sports trope intended to protect the team from the perceived volatility of public expectation.
