I have been chatting with fans for years. Especially when I worked in Indiana where in some of the gyms they are right on top of you. I found out it was MUCH harder for them to yell at me even if I screwed up because they knew me as a person and not just some stuffed shirt. I am sure that doesnt work all the time but it has gotten me a few dates too .
Now granted, I do not do it during the game (while inbounding the ball etc) . During timeouts and in pre game after business is done, sure. And I never turn around and face the fans. My eyes are always on the court.