Bobby Marks predicts how Golden State Warriors would fare if they were in the Eastern Conference this season

However, Bobby Marks’ latest comments illustrate the changing strength between the two conferences, along with the Warriors’ own slide from relevancy.

Speaking to ESPN LA, Marks expressed his view that the Warriors would struggle far more this season if they were in the East.

Marks said: “If they were in the East, I don’t know if they would be a Play-In team. I mean, I honestly could say that.

“I think they could catch a little bit of a break in the West because I don’t think it’s as deep as it was in prior years, but I still think they’re probably they’re in that 8-10 range.”

Perennial Play-In contenders

For the last three consecutive seasons, the Golden State Warriors have missed the top six seeds and ended up in the Play-In range. Last season they finished 10th.

For years, the Western Conference has been regarded as the deeper conference, but Marks’ comments illustrate how this could be changing.

While the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder are formidable contenders at the top of the West, the East is a little more unpredictable, aided by LeBron James’ switch to the Philadelphia 76ers.

Either way, the Warriors are a long way from contending, and may only pick up once Jimmy Butler returns from his torn ACL, possibly early in 2027.

Marks is not optimistic about their chances, adding: “They’re a team that’s going to be like Portland and maybe Phoenix in that mix as far as competing and Utah will probably be there.”

The latest blow for the Warriors is Kristaps Porzingis being ruled out with illness for the foreseeable future.

Any team with Stephen Curry always has a chance, but too much is being asked of him to realistically steer his team towards another title.

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