Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green stirred the pot with his recent comments on The Big Podcast with Shaq. According to The Big Podcast’s Twitter account, Green said: “‘You never expect a team in Minnesota to win the NBA finals… If the Minnesota Timberwolves never win an NBA finals, nobody’s batting an eye.’ – Draymond on which team deserves a break to make the NBA finals.” These remarks, dismissive of the Minnesota Timberwolves’ championship aspirations, reignite discussions about parity, market size, and a simmering rivalry between Green and the young Minnesota squad.
“You never expect a team in Minnesota to win the NBA finals… If the Minnesota Timberwolves never win an NBA finals, nobody’s batting an eye.”
-Draymond on which team deserves a break to make the NBA finals.
It wouldn’t be The Big Podcast with Shaq without @TheGeneralAuto -… pic.twitter.com/R6FPsndm3L
— The Big Podcast (@bigpodwithshaq) May 26, 2024
Draymond Green’s View: Market Bias and Historical Precedent
Green’s perspective is rooted in the NBA’s historical landscape. Traditionally, championship glory has resided in major markets like Los Angeles, New York, Boston, and Chicago. These teams often boast greater financial resources, allowing them to attract and retain star players. The Minnesota Timberwolves, on the other hand, haven’t reached the NBA Finals in their franchise history, with their lone Conference Finals appearance coming in 2004. This lack of historical success feeds into Draymond Green’s view that a Timberwolves championship wouldn’t be a significant surprise.
A Spirited Rivalry: Draymond Green vs. Anthony Edwards and the Rising Timberwolves
However, Draymond Green’s comments overlook the recent rise of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Led by a young and electric duo in Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards, the Timberwolves emerged as a surprise contender in the 2021-2022 season. Their journey ended in the play-in tournament courtesy of the Memphis Grizzlies, but the spark was ignited. This past season, they pushed the Denver Nuggets to the brink in the Western Conference playoffs, showcasing their undeniable potential.
Draymond Green, known for his fiery on-court persona, has had his fair share of verbal clashes with the young and vocal Anthony Edwards. Edwards, brimming with confidence, even brushed off Green’s mocking laughter regarding Towns’ championship aspirations. This budding rivalry adds another layer to Green’s dismissive comments, potentially fueled by on-court battles and Edwards’ self-assured swagger.
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