After the Golden State Warriors eliminated the Houston Rockets in a hard-fought Game 7 of the 2025 NBA playoffs, Draymond Green used his podcast to take a final jab at Dillon Brooks. Green expressed disapproval over Brooks leaving the court immediately after the loss without acknowledging his opponents.
Green viewed this as poor sportsmanship, especially given Brooks’ antagonistic behavior throughout the series, including admitting he tried to injure Stephen Curry. According to Green, if a player talks tough and embraces a villain role, they should also be willing to face the consequences when they lose.
Longstanding Feud With Brooks Highlights Respect Issues, But Eason Gets a Pass
The tension between Green and Brooks is not new—it dates back to the 2022 playoff series between the Warriors and the Memphis Grizzlies. At that time, Green famously said, “The dynasty starts after you,” referring to Brooks.
Green used that comment to highlight what he perceives as Brooks’ lack of character and inability to back up his words with actions. The recent series against Houston was, in Green’s view, a continuation of Brooks’ pattern of disrespect and avoidance when the going gets tough.
Draymond Green Calls Out Dillon Brooks After Game 7 Loss, Praises Eason’s Maturity Amid TensionGreen also mentioned another Rockets player, Tari Eason, who initially left the court without shaking hands. However, Green was more forgiving toward Eason, attributing the move to youth and inexperience. Green later caught up with Eason, exchanged a respectful gesture, and offered him advice. Despite Eason’s misstep, Green expressed admiration for his playing style and competitive mindset, distinguishing him from Brooks.
Respect and Character Matter More Than Bravado in the NBA, Says Green
Throughout the podcast, Green emphasized the importance of respect among NBA players, especially after a tough playoff battle. He warned that players who carry themselves without honor, like Brooks, in his opinion, will eventually lose the respect of their peers, which can damage their careers.
Green stressed that how players handle defeat says as much about them as how they handle victory. A lack of respect, he claimed, diminishes a player’s impact and undermines team success.
Green concluded with a message aimed at younger players like Eason: don’t follow in the footsteps of those who prioritize ego over respect. He urged them to conduct themselves with professionalism and humility, even in loss.
Using Brooks as a cautionary example, Green warned that a bad reputation can stick and ultimately hinder a player’s ability to contribute to a championship-caliber team. His final takeaway was clear—respect, maturity, and accountability matter more than bravado.
