New York Knicks Locker Room Reportedly Bothered By Mike Brown-Draymond Green Postgame Hug
The New York Knicks are reportedly frustrated with head coach Mike Brown after his friendly interactions with Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green during and after their January 15 matchup. The incident has added tension to a team already struggling through a rough stretch of the season.
New York Knicks Locker Room Unhappy With Postgame Love
According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, members of the New York Knicks locker room and front office were displeased with Brown’s public embrace of Green, a former player of his from their time together with the Warriors. The two shared a hug during a second-quarter stoppage and again after the Warriors’ 126-113 victory. The timing of the gesture was particularly problematic, as Green had committed a flagrant foul on Knicks big man Karl-Anthony Towns late in the game.
“From what I understand, that didn’t land well with a lot of folks there in New York,” Shelburne said on NBA Today. “While you can understand why he might have something of a bond with Draymond Green, I don’t think that landed well, especially in the middle of a losing streak.”
Brown, who spent six years as an associate head coach with the Warriors, winning three championships alongside Green, defended the forward’s physical style of play after the game. However, some within the Knicks organization reportedly expected Brown to show more solidarity with his current players, particularly during a challenging stretch.
Knicks’ Struggles Amplify the Issue
The Knicks entered the game against the Warriors having lost six of their previous eight contests. The defeat marked their seventh loss in nine games and dropped their record to 25-16. Playing without Jalen Brunson, who was sidelined with an ankle injury, the Knicks appeared lifeless on the second night of a back-to-back.
The team’s struggles continued with subsequent losses to the Phoenix Suns and a shorthanded Dallas Mavericks squad, culminating in a 2-9 stretch over 11 games. The poor performances led to boos from Madison Square Garden fans and a players-only meeting called by Brunson, who emphasized accountability among the roster.
The controversy surrounding Brown’s interactions with Green has only added to the team’s woes. Towns, who has struggled throughout January, was outplayed by Green during the game, making the warm embraces even harder for some players to accept. Brown’s public criticism of Towns’ effort and decision-making in recent weeks has further complicated the situation.
A Team in Turmoil
The Knicks, who started the season 23-9 and won the NBA Cup in December, now find themselves at 26-18 and clinging to third place in the Eastern Conference. With their offense ranking among the league’s worst in January, the team is dangerously close to falling into the play-in tournament.
While the Knicks did bounce back with a dominant 54-point win over the Brooklyn Nets on January 21, the tension within the organization remains palpable. Brown’s actions have raised questions about his ability to navigate the team through adversity and maintain the trust of his players.
What’s Next?
As the Knicks look to regain their early-season form, the focus will be on repairing relationships within the locker room and addressing the team’s on-court issues. For Brown, the challenge will be balancing his past relationships with his current responsibilities, ensuring that his actions reflect a commitment to the team’s success.
The Knicks’ next steps will be critical as they aim to solidify their playoff position and avoid further internal discord. Whether Brown can mend fences with his players and lead the team out of its slump remains to be seen.
