New Orleans, LA – Just when the NBA world thought the dust had finally settled, the volcano that is the Draymond Green and Jordan Poole relationship has erupted once again. What started as a passive-aggressive podcast comment has spiraled into a full-blown digital confrontation, with Jordan Poole reportedly taking to Instagram Live to deliver a “no filters” response that has left the basketball community stunned.

The latest chapter in this never-ending saga began late last month, but the explosion happened this week. The catalyst? A chaotic on-court brawl, a “frozen” reaction, and a podcast microphone that Draymond Green simply couldn’t resist using.

The Trigger: The “Deer in Headlights” Moment

The spark was lit on December 27, 2025, during a heated matchup between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Phoenix Suns. In the third quarter, chaos broke out when Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado and Suns center Mark Williams got tangled up. Punches were thrown, including a shocking uppercut from the 6-foot Alvarado on the 7-foot-1 Williams.

It was a classic NBA scuffle, but internet sleuths noticed something else: Jordan Poole. As fists flew just feet away from him, Poole appeared to freeze. He didn’t rush in to separate the players, nor did he back up his teammate. He stood still, hands down, watching the mayhem unfold.

The clip went viral instantly, labeled a “deer in headlights” moment. For most players, it would have been a funny meme that lasted 24 hours. But Jordan Poole isn’t most players, and his history with physical altercations—specifically with his own teammates—made the visual incredibly loaded.

Draymond’s “Calculated” Jab

Enter Draymond Green. On a recent episode of The Draymond Green Show, the Warriors forward addressed the concept of teammates helping teammates during fights. While he didn’t scream Poole’s name, the target of his commentary was unmistakable.

“I tell you what, if I’m in a fight though and my teammates stand behind me and do this… come on man, we can’t be doing that,” Green said, his tone sharp and mocking. He went on to reference advice from former teammate David West about always protecting your guys.

To the casual listener, it was general advice. To anyone who has followed the NBA for the last four years, it was a direct shot at Poole’s manhood and loyalty. And the irony was thick enough to cut with a knife. Here was Draymond Green—the man who famously sucker-punched Poole during a Warriors practice in 2022—lecturing Poole on how to handle conflict with teammates.

The “Receipts” on Instagram Live

For years, Jordan Poole has mostly taken the high road. He stayed silent after “The Punch.” He stayed professional after the trade to Washington. He kept it brief after his trade to the Pelicans. But this time, according to reports surfacing from the incident, he finally snapped.

Poole reportedly went live on Instagram in what witnesses described as a “raw tension” moment. Unlike the curated PR statements of the past, this was described as an unfiltered clapback. While the full transcript of the IG Live is still being dissected by fans, the sentiment was clear: Poole is done being the punching bag for Draymond’s content machine.

“No edits, no filters, just real-time receipts,” is how the response was characterized. It was an awkward, uncomfortable, and necessary release of frustration for a player who has been shadowed by one moment for nearly half a decade.

The History That Won’t Die

To understand why this flared up so violently, you have to look at the timeline. This isn’t just about Jose Alvarado. It’s about a mentorship that turned into a nightmare.

When Poole entered the league in 2019, he chose the locker next to Draymond. They were close. Poole called him “Big Bro.” They were a duo that helped win the 2022 Championship. But the October 2022 punch shattered that trust permanently. Steve Kerr admitted it destroyed the team’s culture. Draymond admitted it was a “failure.”

Yet, despite the apologies (including a public “I really am sorry” tweet from Draymond in early 2025), the tension has never truly dissipated. When Poole returned to the Chase Center in January 2025 and dropped 38 points, he told reporters he loved “most of those guys”—a subtle exclusion of Green that spoke volumes.

The “Apology Loop”

Critics are pointing out the exhausting cycle of this feud. Draymond apologizes, claims growth, and says he has moved on. Then, the moment an opportunity arises—like the Alvarado fight—he uses his platform to poke the bear.

“It turns into an apology loop,” one analyst noted. “Remorse mixed with defensiveness.”

By mocking Poole for not fighting, Draymond is arguably reopening the trauma of the 2022 incident. Fans were quick to point out on X (formerly Twitter) that Poole might have “PTSD” from physical escalations involving teammates, making his “frozen” reaction understandable rather than cowardly. For Draymond to exploit that for podcast views strikes many as a low blow.

Conclusion: No Closure in Sight

The tragic reality of the Draymond Green and Jordan Poole saga is that there is no closure. They are trapped in a cycle of passive-aggressive jabs and media proxy wars. Poole is trying to rebuild his career in New Orleans alongside Zion Williamson, finally looking like he’s found a home. But as long as Draymond Green has a microphone and a memory, Poole will never be fully allowed to move on.

This week’s explosion proves that the wound isn’t just unhealed; it’s infected. The “Big Bro” relationship is dead and buried, replaced by a bitter rivalry that refuses to fade away. As the clips of Poole’s IG Live response continue to circulate, one thing is clear: the cold war has turned hot again, and everyone is watching to see who fires the next shot.