Draymond Green doesn’t buy the Knicks as contenders: ‘Don’t have what it takes’

Count Draymond Green as a Knicks non-believer. 

The Warriors star criticized the team on his self-titled podcast this week, saying they won’t be in the NBA championship mix as currently built. 

“Personally, the Knicks, I just don’t believe that they’re contenders,” Green said. “I don’t think they have what it takes to win at the highest level. I think you can stifle their offense and make it hard on them.”​

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green reacts toward the Memphis Grizzlies bench after making a 3-point basket during the second half of an NBA basketball game in San Francisco, Monday, Oct. 27, 2025. AP

Green also had harsh words for the Knicks’ defense. 

“And I just think, ultimately, guys that don’t really want to defend, it makes it tough to win at the highest level. And so that’s kind of my question with the Knicks. 

Earlier this week, Green named the teams he believes are “true contenders” in the Western Conference, putting the Thunder, Nuggets, Lakers, Clippers and his very own Warriors on the list.

He later added that he wasn’t sure the Eastern Conference “has any teams that can compete at a championship level with the teams at the top of the West.”

Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks drives against the Boston Celtics during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden on October 24, 2025 in New York City. Getty Images

Green’s comments come amid a so-so start for the Knicks, who are looking to get over the hump after falling in the Eastern Conference Finals to the Pacers last season. 

After getting out to a 2-0 start with solid wins over the Cavaliers and Celtics, the Knicks have dropped two straight on the road to the Bucks and Heat heading into Friday’s game against the Bulls in Chicago. 

Green, a four-time NBA champion, is enjoying a strong start with the Warriors, who are 4-1 with wins over fellow “contenders” like the Nuggets, Clippers and Lakers.