"Wouldn't shock me" - Draymond Green critical of Knicks' NBA Finals chances despite praising Jalen Brunson and Co.'s defensive grit
Draymond Green's Golden State Warriors helped shape the mold of a championship contender in today's NBA with the rise of the three-point shot. While offensive firepower drives the league's entertainment, defensive ability and grit separate playoff teams from true contenders.
The New York Knicks have proven they possess both abilities and are widely considered championship contenders. On Tuesday's episode of "The Draymond Green Show," the Warriors forward praised the Knicks, but doubted their ability to contend.
"I'll tell you now, I don't want to see [the New York Knicks] in the regular season because they are going to play harder than nobody's tomorrow. By the way, defensively that team is going to be tough! Playing against a team like that during the regular season when you really don't have time to prepare and then you go up against that defense, that's going to be hard."
While Green has nothing but praise for the Knicks in the regular season, he doubted their postseason capability:
"It would not shock me if they get the number-one seed, but I ultimately don't think that team gets over the hump."
Draymond Green was also asked if Jalen Brunson's team could make it to the NBA Finals in the next three seasons, to which he bluntly responded:
"No. I do not think so."
Draymond Green, Warriors matchups versus New York Knicks revealed
The Knicks have likely gained some extra motivation for their matchups versus the Warriors this season, as the two teams will meet twice. The Warriors and the Knicks will sqaure off on March 4 and March 16, 2025. The two teams split the season series 1-1 last season.
Draymond Green will enter his 13th season with the Warriors, averaging 8.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game in 55 games last season. The four-time NBA champion will play in the second season of his four-year, $100 million deal.
Green and the Warriors will look to secure a fifth NBA championship with Steph Curry at the helm.