Kyrie Irving Says He Has Regrets Regarding Mike Brown's Tenure with Cavaliers

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving acknowledged he has regrets regarding his strained relationship with Golden State Warriors assistant Mike Brown, who coached the team during the 2013-14 season. 

"It was a learning experience, to say the least," Irving told reporters Wednesday. "I kind of regret being part of that, because he was just trying to teach me a lot of things that I didn't necessarily understand as a 21-year-old in the NBA."

Irving averaged 20.8 points and 6.1 assists per game under Brown, but the two consistently butted heads. The coach even advocated trading Irving, then in his third NBA season.

Brown was brought back before the 2013-14 campaign as something of a mea culpa for firing him in 2010, which was partly a desperation move to keep LeBron James. The Cavs fired Brown after one 33-49 season, after which James returned to his home state franchise.

The front office was concerned Irving would not sign an extension if it kept the coach employed. 

"I understand that things happen in this league sometimes, whether controlled or uncontrolled," Irving said. "I was a 21-year-old kid, just trying to lead a franchise, and he was a new head coach that I had to get introduced to a new offense, new players, as well as new system."

Brown will perhaps be leading the Warriors into these Finals, depending on the status of Steve Kerr. The former Cavs and Los Angeles Lakers coach has been leading Golden State for its last 10 playoff games with Kerr on the mend because of long-standing complications from back surgery.

The Cavaliers are still paying Brown and former coach David Blatt, who was fired halfway through the 2015-16 regular season in favor of Ty Lue.