There are few players in the NBA who stir up emotions like Draymond Green and Dillon Brooks. Known as the agitators with an edge, Green and Brooks’ names alone can trigger headlines, and their clashes are often louder than the final score of the match. Green, as a passionate enforcer, and Brooks, as a bold opponent, both have reputations that go beyond statistics. But their latest back-and-forth has brought up a more fundamental issue, which leads to a major question: who gets to criticize whom?
When the Golden State Warriors knocked out the Houston Rockets in Game 7, Dillon Brooks walked off directly to the locker room with no handshakes, no acknowledgements. A playoff tradition was overlooked. Draymond Green, often outspoken on a microphone, objected on The Draymond Green Show, with the bottom line being simple: “Dillon Brooks couldn’t come through in this series, in large part because nobody on the court respects you.” He further slammed Brooks for “not facing the music,” even charging him with attempting to re-injure Steph Curry’s thumb during the series. Green’s opinion caused a stir, but not everyone supported the message.
Enter Chandler Parsons, the former Grizzlies forward who shared a locker room with Brooks in Memphis and defended his ex-teammate on FanDuel TV’s Run It Back. “The message is fine,” Parsons said. “But the messenger is interesting—coming from Draymond Green, who’s probably been suspended and fined more than anyone.” He added, “I had him in Memphis… Dillon Brooks is an awesome dude.” It was a unique moment of clarity that countered the echo chamber forming around Brooks’ alleged immaturity.
Draymond Green is wrong about Dillon Brooks
“The message is fine. The is messenger is interesting, coming from Draymond Green who’s probably been suspended and fined more than anyone. … I had him in Memphis…Dillon Brooks is an awesome dude.” – @ChandlerParsons pic.twitter.com/hHXhGY6AvM
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) May 8, 2025
Green’s past helps Parsons’ argument hold. From the viral stomping incident on Domantas Sabonis to choking Rudy Gobert and hitting Jordan Poole, he had reportedly accumulated more than $4 million in fines and several suspensions. He even pushed Klay Thompson into Jimmy Butler, hence aggravating an ailment that severely affected Miami. Still, ahead of Game 2 vs the Timberwolves, Green managed to become a self-appointed ethical officer, despite always being labeled for aggression when talking about a game.
Is Draymond Green and Dillon Brooks’ clash going to escalate?
More than simply criticism or defense, The Run It Back panel examined the double standard. Parsons directly addressed the issue as Michelle Beadle started the topic and Lou Williams provided depth. Referring to Green’s own history of postgame turmoil and violent outbursts but tried to understand his viewpoint, saying that what happened on the court should stay on the court, the players should take the competition in a healthy way, and should shake hands after the final whistle.
Image Credits: IMAGN
Brooks has his shortcomings: his trash talk, aggressive fouls, and a tendency to elevate heated events. Still, he is an outstanding defender and a known irritant, a player rivals hate to deal with. Though he left Memphis under difficult circumstances, the Rockets gave him a four-year, $86 million contract which has been a clear confirmation of his worth. If he truly lacked respect, as Green claimed, would Houston have bet that kind of money on him?
Reality has greater depth than short soundbites on social media. Green might be correct about the handshake but Parsons’ observation serves as a reminder that background is important – and the man has known Dillon very well from his playing days. In a league where such stories frequently overshadow detail or the actual match itself, it is important to pay attention to those who have shared the court. What are your thoughts on the debacle? Weigh in below!
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