Over the course of his four-time championship career, Draymond Green has become one of the most polarizing players in recent NBA history. While Warriors’ fans love him for his defensive prowess and his ability to electrify his teammates, there are plenty of avid NBA watchers who have a lot to say, criticizing his overzealous and at times questionable antics on court. It’s hard to forget the infamous 2016 NBA Finals incident with LeBron James.
However, on January 15, during a head-to-head between the Warriors and the Knicks, Green managed to aggravate Knicks fans with nothing more than a simple hello and a hug with his former coach, Mike Brown.
Why Green and Brown Have Knicks Fans Upset
As the first half was coming to a close, Green was called for a foul on Karl-Anthony Towns. Like many players who are called for a foul, Green proceeded to argue his innocence with the referee, even as Towns started shooting free throws. But in the middle of Green pleading his case, he spots former assistant coach to the Warriors (and at times acting head coach), Brown, who is now the head coach of the Knicks.
Brown then says something to the effect, “Draymond, you ain’t gonna say hi?” In response, Green, with a smile on his face, gives Brown a hug. Check out the moment below.
Mike Brown: Draymond! You ain’t gonna say hi?
Draymond: *Hugs Mike Brown”
😂😂😂
pic.twitter.com/0YxEMwoPLI— TheWarriorsTalk (@TheWarriorsTalk) January 16, 2026
As if it weren’t bad enough, the Warriors went on to defeat the Knicks, 126 to 113. Following the loss, Brown again hugs and laughs with Green, this time accompanied by the greatest three-point shooter in NBA history, Stephen Curry.
I’m sorry this is a problem pic.twitter.com/wE9ZPOaJLz
— CityHoops (@CityHoops2) January 16, 2026
What Are NBA Fans Saying?
Although most people should understand the friendly nature of a coach with his former players, countless NBA fans weren’t so pleased. Here are just a few of the more tame comments circulating on X (formerly Twitter).
Mike Brown you getting on my last nerve https://t.co/qsRikyNRk1
— OG Anunoby Addict (@PlayoffBoundNYK) January 16, 2026
I’ll be 100% honest. Rick Brunson, Mike Brown and other Knicks yapping it up, dapping and hugging Draymond Green last night after the game pissed me off. Have some pride. pic.twitter.com/uYKgZsaS4a
— Bankai 🇪🇨🇵🇷 (@New_Tape_City) January 16, 2026
Mike Brown hugged Draymond
This team soft pic.twitter.com/226cUnkfgu
— 🇬🇭State🇬🇭 (@SNYKPodHarlem) January 16, 2026
Mike Brown not sticking up for Towns and fawning over Draymond is nasty work
— JG (@JustinG1112) January 16, 2026
With all that being said, I would think Knicks fans may want to cut Brown some slack. As of publication, the Knicks have the third-best record in the Eastern Conference, the best home record in the conference, and the team won the 2025 Emirates NBA Cup under Brown’s leadership.
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