Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone did not mince words regarding the Sacramento Kings’ decision to fire Mike Brown. On Friday, the Kings dismissed Brown after a 13-18 start to the season. Malone, who coached the Kings for two seasons before being fired by owner Vivek Ranadive in 2014, expressed his outrage.
Former Coach, Michael Malone Rips Into Kings, Others React To Mike Brown News
“I’m not surprised that Mike Brown got fired because I got fired by the same person,” Malone stated. “But what really pissed me off was the way they handled it—calling him while he was in his car. No class, no balls. That’s what I’ll say about that.”
Malone’s critique of the Kings’ management comes after years of instability within the organization. Since his own departure, Sacramento has cycled through six different head coaches in less than a decade.
NBA Coaches Stand with Brown
Malone wasn’t alone in voicing disappointment. Coaches across the league expressed disbelief over Brown’s firing, particularly given his recent accomplishments. Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle, also the president of the National Basketball Coaches Association, opened his media session with praise for Brown.
“I worked with Mike in Indiana,” Carlisle said. “He’s a standard-bearer for integrity in our profession. His firing is shocking to me and many others.”
Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley also supported Brown, highlighting his impact on the Kings.
“He compiled a 107-88 record while there,” Mosley noted. “He changed the culture and paved the way for many of us in this game.”
Brown’s dismissal comes less than two years after he won the NBA Coach of the Year award unanimously in 2022-23. That season, he led Sacramento to their first playoff appearance since 2006, securing recognition as one of the league’s top coaches.
Mixed Feelings About the Decision
Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, who worked with Brown as an assistant, also expressed his disappointment.
“It’s shocking. Mike was the unanimous Coach of the Year a year and a half ago,” Kerr remarked. “He turned that franchise around. It’s hard to believe this decision was made.”
New York Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau echoed similar sentiments, describing Brown as “a terrific person and a great coach.” Despite understanding the volatile nature of coaching in the NBA, Thibodeau called the decision “unfortunate.”
Sacramento’s Struggles Continue
The Kings’ decision to fire Brown marks the ninth head coaching change in the NBA this year alone. Sacramento, currently in 12th place in the Western Conference, appears to be returning to the instability that defined the organization before Brown’s arrival.
The Kings’ struggles this season have raised questions about management’s long-term vision. Brown’s dismissal underscores the challenges of coaching in an environment with high expectations and little patience.
Michael Malone, Others’ Reaction to Mike Brown News Highlights How Surprising The News Is
Despite the firing, many believe Brown will land on his feet. Carlisle expressed confidence in Brown’s abilities, stating,
“He’s a great man and basketball coach. He’ll certainly find another opportunity.”
Brown’s firing highlights the precarious nature of coaching in the NBA, even for someone with his accomplishments. As teams continue to demand instant success, coaches like Brown often face an uphill battle to maintain their positions.
For now, Sacramento remains in search of stability. Brown, meanwhile, leaves behind a legacy of cultural transformation and success during his short tenure with the Kings.
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