Former NBA guard Jeff Teague has voiced his concerns about the Golden State Warriors’ future, pointing out a major obstacle that could prevent the team from winning another championship. According to him, the issue lies with the declining impact of Draymond Green as a center, a role that has become increasingly ineffective in the modern NBA. Teague believes it’s time for the Warriors to seriously consider finding a new defensive anchor who can help them remain competitive in a loaded Western Conference.
Draymond Green Struggling to Guard Elite Big Men
Speaking on a recent episode of his podcast Club 520, Teague explained that Golden State’s championship window began to close when the franchise decided to consistently play Green at the center position. While Green has been the heart of the Warriors’ defense for years, Teague noted that his physical limitations are now more apparent, especially when matched up against dominant big men like Nikola Jokic.
“I think they need a real big man in that small-ball lineup,” Teague said. “I’m a huge fan of Draymond, but I don’t think he has much left in the tank. He can’t guard Jokic and other top bigs for long stretches anymore.”
Grееn, traditionally a power fоrwаrd, hаѕ bееn ѕlоttеd into thе сеntеr role ѕіnсе 2022, when Golden State ѕhіftеd Kеvоn Lооnеу оut оf the ѕtаrtіng lіnеuр. While thе move kерt thе Wаrrіоrѕ’ famous “small-ball” іdеntіtу іntасt, іt hаѕ exposed weaknesses аgаіnѕt tеаmѕ wіth еlіtе ѕіzе and dерth in the frontcourt.
Warriors Exploring Options — Al Horford on the Radar
Reports suggest that the Warriors have shown interest in Al Horford during free agency. However, the deal has yet to materialize due to ongoing contract discussions with Jonathan Kuminga, leaving Golden State without a clear path toward upgrading their roster.
This indecision has been costly. Since their 2022 NBA championship run, the Warriors have failed to advance past the Western Conference Semifinals. They missed the playoffs entirely in 2024 and were eliminated 4-1 by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2025 Western Semifinals, raising more doubts about the current roster construction.
The Brutal Reality of the Western Conference
Teague also highlighted how brutal the Western Conference has become, noting that even if Golden State lands a veteran like Horford, the road back to the NBA Finals will be extremely difficult.
“There are just too many contenders in the West,” Teague said. “I heard about Al (Horford), but I don’t think that solves it long-term. Look at teams like OKC — they’ve got Chet Holmgren at the four and flexibility at the five. Dallas has depth if they’re healthy, and the Spurs are going to be scary once Victor Wembanyama takes another leap. The Warriors simply don’t have enough size to keep up.”
A Flawed Small-Ball Identity
Golden State’s decision to double down on small ball became even more evident after acquiring Chris Paul in 2023, signaling that the franchise wasn’t ready to abandon its identity built on spacing, speed, and shooting. Even though the team briefly experimented with young bigs like James Wiseman (who was eventually traded) and Trayce Jackson-Davis, neither move has shifted their approach.
Teague argued that while the Warriors’ small-ball style revolutionized basketball during their dynasty years, it might now be holding them back. The league has evolved, and opponents have found ways to exploit Golden State’s lack of size in critical playoff series.
What’s Next for the Warriors?
As the 2025–26 season approaches, the Warriors are at a crossroads. Their core of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green is aging, while younger Western Conference teams are on the rise. Unless Golden State makes a bold move to add a reliable interior presence, their championship aspirations could fade even further.
For Teague, the solution is clear: it’s time for the Warriors to look beyond Draymond Green as their primary defensive big man. Whether that comes through signing a veteran like Horford or developing a new interior star, Golden State’s future success hinges on making the right decision.
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