Mike Brown Hugging Draymond Sparks Knicks Outrage

Merlin sees Mike Brown rubbed some Knicks the wrong way after hugging Draymond Green following a game where Green drew a technical for an apparent trip on Karl‑Anthony Towns. Ramona Shelburne reported, "From what I understand, that did not land well with a lot of folks there in New York." In a club already fragile during a losing streak, the gesture amplified questions about trust and locker room cohesion. Brown’s Warriors pedigree is real—associate head coach from 2016 to 2022 with three titles—so old friendships are natural. Merlin warns that when results sour, small gestures read as loyalties. Brown will need clear, deliberate moves to rebuild calm. If the Knicks snap a winning run, the moment will fade; if they keep losing, it could spiral.