Former NBA player Matt Barnes has criticized Dillon Brooks over his reputation as a tough player, arguing that the Phoenix Suns forward failed to back up his image during a confrontation with Golden State Warriors veteran Draymond Green.
Barnes questioned Brooks’ willingness to engage with Green, suggesting that the situation exposed a difference between his usual confrontational behavior and how he reacted when facing someone known for his own aggressive approach.
“But the interesting part was when Dillon Brooks had to come over and have a chance to be tough, because Dillon Brooks really tries to be tough with a lot of people.”
The former NBA forward explained that he had long been curious about how Brooks would respond when confronted by a player who would not back down.
“But I think the toughness right there, it wasn’t… And I kind of always wanted to see what Dillon Brooks would do when he ran up on someone he knows that’s with the sh*t.”
Barnes argued that Brooks’ reaction showed he should abandon his tough-guy reputation and focus instead on the trash-talking and provocative behavior for which he has become known.
“And he showed me right there he ain’t going to do. So I think he needs to drop the tough act and just be a troll, because he showed right there that that tough sh*t ain’t for him.”
According to Barnes, Brooks had an opportunity to confront Green directly but appeared unwilling to escalate the situation once the Warriors forward turned toward him.
“Because he had a chance. He had a run at him, and Draymond turned around and saw red instantly.”
Barnes also jokingly referenced Green’s infamous 2022 altercation with former Warriors teammate Jordan Poole.
“I think he might have seen the light skin and thought it was Jordan Poole for a second, but Dillon Brooks didn’t want no problems with Draymond.”
