Green Names Five Western Title Contenders

Draymond Green said only Western Conference teams — the Golden State Warriors, Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers — are true title contenders this season, calling the West a “bloodbath.” He specifically dismissed the New York Knicks’ title chances, citing defensive and consistency concerns despite Jalen Brunson’s strong start and coach Mike Brown’s new scheme. Green pointed to injuries to Eastern stars like Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton and roster issues around teams such as the Milwaukee Bucks as reasons the East is unlikely to match the top West clubs. He omitted expected challengers including the Minnesota Timberwolves, Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks, and Golden State has begun the season 3-1. Green’s list is already drawing pushback as several Western teams and early-season surprises keep the title picture unsettled.