The NBA community was taken aback on Friday when the Sacramento Kings decided to part ways with Mike Brown, a two-time NBA Coach of the Year. This sudden decision comes despite Brown leading the Kings to consecutive winning seasons, a feat not achieved by the franchise in nearly two decades.
Rick Carlisle, head coach of the Indiana Pacers, expressed his surprise at the news, highlighting Brown’s integrity and contributions to the profession. Carlisle remarked, ‘The firing of Mike Brown today was just shocking to me and I’m sure all the people in our profession—men and women.’ Carlisle’s unprompted comments came during a pregame media session as the Pacers were preparing to face Boston.
Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone, who previously experienced a similar fate under the same ownership, expressed his view on the inevitable nature of blame in coaching. ‘As an NBA head coach, ultimately, you’re going to get the blame,’ he reflected, indicating the often harsh reality of the coaching profession.
Orlando Magic coach Jamahl Mosley, a close friend and mentee of Brown, emphasized the positive cultural changes Brown brought to Sacramento. ‘He compiled a record of 107-88 while he was there,’ Mosley noted, underscoring Brown’s impact not just as a coach but as a mentor to many in the basketball community.
The dismissal marks the ninth head-coaching change in the NBA for the year, contributing to the industry’s volatile landscape. Notably, it is part of the larger trend of frequent coaching changes, with 300 such instances since Gregg Popovich took over the San Antonio Spurs in 1996. Popovich, currently absent due to health issues, remains a significant figure in the coaching realm.
Mike Brown’s career includes tenures with Cleveland, Los Angeles Lakers, and a second stint in Cleveland before joining Sacramento. His coaching journey is marked by significant achievements and transformations at each stop. As noted by Carlisle, ‘Mike’s a great man and a great basketball man. Really one of the pillars of our profession.’
The decision to fire Mike Brown has reverberated throughout the NBA, raising questions about the dynamics and pressures coaches face within the league. As Brown moves forward, his contributions and the respect he commands suggest that he will continue to be a prominent figure in basketball.
Source: Local10
