Draymond Green Faces Backlash Over Remarks on Karl-Anthony Towns Missing Game

The Golden State Warriors defeated the New York Knicks on the road, 114-102. Karl-Anthony Towns’ absence was noticeable as the team struggled with its interior presence. Meanwhile, Golden State’s newest addition, Jimmy Butler, continues to make an impact on this revamped Warriors squad.

Butler finished with 19 points on 50% shooting, along with four assists and four rebounds. His history with Towns remains well-documented, as the two never saw eye-to-eye during their time in Minnesota, and there’s no indication that their relationship has improved.

Draymond Green once again found himself at the center of controversy, struggling to balance his role as a player and a member of NBA media. Green suggested that Towns skipped Tuesday’s game to avoid facing Butler, calling into question the All-Star’s competitiveness. While Butler is an elite defender, the idea that Towns would sit out just to avoid him seemed ridiculous.

Unfortunately, the five-time All-Star missed the game due to the death of a close family friend who passed away from cancer. After Towns shared the news on Instagram, many NBA fans called out Green for his insensitive comments.

Green later attempted to walk back his remarks, but his response still came off as dismissive—while also plugging his podcast at the worst possible moment.

“Oh, that’s unfortunate, I’m sorry to hear that. That sucks,” Green said after learning the real reason for Towns’ absence. “But my comments were based on what I heard, and that’s what I heard. So I do send my well wishes to him and his family… but The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis must go on.”

The lack of accountability was glaring, and many fans were quick to call Green out for his remarks. Check out his full post-game press conference below.

Q “You seen reaction to your KAT comments [that he ducked game v Warriors]? Were you aware of circumstances?”

Draymond “No”

Q “He was at funeral for family friend”

Draymond “Oh man…But what I heard was…what I heard…I send well wishes…but the Draymond Green Show will go on” pic.twitter.com/jy0RICbUvv

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) March 7, 2025