Mike Brown addressed the New York media for the first time since being hired as the head coach of the New York Knicks last week. Brown was officially announced as the 32nd coach of the team on Monday after former coach Tom Thibodeau was fired June 3.
Thibodeau was in charge of the Knicks for five years but was dismissed three days after the team lost their Eastern Conference Finals series to the Indiana Pacers in six games.
On Tuesday, Brown took to the podium and expressed his excitement about taking over the franchise. He also addressed how he’s dealing with the expectations of coaching the team.
“You talk about a historic franchise. Madison Square Garden. It’s iconic. Our fans, they’re the most knowledgable and passionate in all of sports,” Brown said. “There’s a lot of work to be done. We have an outstanding roster, what they did in the playoffs shows their potential. I’ve had great conversations with all of our players and I’m looking forward to growing positive relationships with them over time.
“Nobody has any bigger expectations than I do. My expectations are high. This is the Knicks. I love and embrace the expectations that come along with it. So I’m looking forward to it.”
Brown complimented the impact Thibodeau had during his tenure with the team, especially during their recent playoff run. He also raved about the team’s recent signings: guard Jordan Clarkson and center Guerschon Yabusele.
“I thought Tom Thibodeau did a great job, and the guys did a fantastic job last year,” Brown said. “But I’m looking forward. We just added two new additions to the team. They’re gonna bring a lot of versatility to how we’re gonna play. I can’t wait to get on the court.”
Brown began his head-coaching career in 2005 with a five-year stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He would return to Cleveland in 2013 after a brief tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers from 2011-12. Brown became the associate head coach for the Golden State Warriors before his memorable run with the Sacramento Kings.
Under Brown’s leadership, the Kings broke a 16-year playoff drought in 2023 before losing to the Warriors in the first round of the playoffs.
Brown takes over a Knicks team that gave a breath of hope to a frustrated fanbase by earning the No. 3 seed in the East. The Knicks held a 51-31 record and eliminated the Detroit Pistons before dethroning the Boston Celtics, but ultimately fell to Indiana in the East finals.
The Knicks have not won a title since 1973, but Brown is optimistic and confident in building a winning culture in the Big Apple.
“Our goal is to build a sustainable winning culture that produces championships,” Brown said. “That’s why I’m here.”
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