Mike Brown’s Surprising Ranking Raises Eyebrows Among Knicks Fans
Mike Brown’s Challenging Start
As he steps into his first season as head coach of the New York Knicks, Mike Brown is already facing heightened expectations. After the Knicks narrowly missed the NBA Finals last season, the pressure is palpable. Recently, CBS Sports writer Sam Quinn unveiled his ranking of all 30 NBA head coaches, placing Brown at a surprising No. 18.
Brown’s track record suggests a coach who emphasizes defense, a trait that has characterized his teams throughout his career. Quinn noted, “Mike Brown teams always defend. Even the defensively inept Kings rosters of the past few seasons have hovered around league-average.” However, the criticism arises when discussing his offensive strategies. Quinn referenced Brown’s ill-fated attempt to implement the Princeton offense during his short-lived stint with the 2012-13 Lakers as a key factor that contributed to his dismissal just five games into the season.
Offensive Adjustments and Early Challenges
Last season, Brown led the Sacramento Kings to historic offensive numbers, showcasing an ability to adapt. Yet, as Quinn pointed out, the league seemed to catch up with the Kings, leading to their struggles in the postseason. “Suddenly, the Kings couldn’t get to the basket to save their lives, and Brown couldn’t adjust,” he wrote. This inability to adapt raises questions about Brown’s decision-making, particularly his puzzling choice to bench Keon Ellis, the team’s only reliable three-and-D player, during critical moments.
With the Knicks having parted ways with Tom Thibodeau, who was let go largely due to concerns over offensive creativity and lineup management, Brown will be under scrutiny from day one. Early indications from pre-season have shown promise, but the true test lies ahead.
A Low Ranking Among Peers
In the rankings, only a handful of coaches found themselves below Brown, including Billy Donovan of the Chicago Bulls and J.B. Bickerstaff of the Detroit Pistons. This low ranking can be attributed to Brown’s recent firing from the Kings and the fact that he hasn’t yet coached a game for the Knicks. Yet, this is a former Coach of the Year who possesses the tools to ascend the coaching hierarchy.
For the Knicks to solidify their status as contenders, Brown must prove his worth early on. The front office’s decision to replace Thibodeau with Brown hinges on his ability to elevate the team. If he falls short, the lofty ambitions of the franchise may remain just that—ambitions.
Looking Ahead
In the face of skepticism, the Knicks remain optimistic about their new leader. Brown’s success will not only rely on his coaching acumen but also on how well he manages the expectations and dynamics within the team. As the season unfolds, the Knicks and their fans will be watching closely to see if Brown can transform potential into performance, ultimately guiding the franchise toward its goals.
