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Warriors Rumors: Mike Brown to Remain with GSW Through Playoffs If Hired as Kings HC
May 8, 2022
Golden State Warriors assistant coach Mike Brown is reportedly planning to stay with the team for the duration of its playoff run, even if he's hired by the Sacramento Kings as their new head coach.
Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee reported the update Saturday after the Warriors took a 2-1 series lead over the Memphis Grizzlies in the second round of the postseason.
Brown has worked on Steve Kerr's staff in Golden State since 2016. He previously served as head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers (two stints) and Los Angeles Lakers.
His first stay with the Cavs lasted from 2005 through 2010. He guided the LeBron James-led roster to a 272-138 regular-season record and an appearance in the 2007 NBA Finals.
The 52-year-old's success continued during his first season with the Lakers (2011-12) with a 41-25 mark and a trip to the second round of the playoffs. He was fired just five games into the following campaign after a 1-4 start, though.
He landed back in Cleveland the next season, but the team was no longer in contention with James having left for the Miami Heat. Brown was let go after one year when the team went 33-49.
In all, he's compiled a 347-216 record (.616 winning percentage) with six playoff appearances in eight years as a head coach.
Brown's agent, Warren LeGarie, told Anderson his client is interested in the Kings job and would accept the opportunity if it's offered.
"Mike is willing to take the job based on the fact that he knows he'll be supported and have a chance to win," LeGarie said. "He sees this as a good job and looks forward to being asked to be the head coach."
Anderson noted Brown is considered a finalist alongside Brooklyn Nets adviser Steve Clifford, who previously served as head coach of the Charlotte Hornets and Orlando Magic, and ESPN analyst Mark Jackson, a former NBA point guard who owns heading coaching experience with the Warriors.
The Kings are coming off a campaign where they missed the playoffs with a 30-52 record. Head coach Luke Walton was fired in November, and the decision was made not to retain interim replacement Alvin Gentry at season's end.
Sacramento does enter the offseason with a solid foundation of De'Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis and 2021 first-round pick Davion Mitchell to build around, though.