The Kings’ coaching Carousel: Malone Leads Chorus of Criticism after Brown’s Dismissal
The Sacramento Kings’ decision to fire coach Mike Brown after a string of five consecutive losses has sent shockwaves through the NBA, sparking a wave of criticism, particularly from fellow coaches.
Michael Malone, who himself was dismissed by the Kings in 2014 after a brief tenure, was among the most vocal critics. The Denver Nuggets coach, now considered one of the league’s best, expressed his disappointment and anger, not only at Brown’s firing but also at the manner in which it was handled.
“It’s appalling,” Malone stated,recalling his own experience with the Kings’ ownership. “I was initially shocked, but then I realized, why am I surprised? As an NBA coach, you’re constantly under scrutiny. When the team wins, the credit goes to the star players. When they lose, the blame falls on the coach. That’s the reality.”
Malone’s frustration stemmed from the perceived lack of respect shown to Brown. “What truly angered me was the way it was done,” he explained. “They lost a tough game, their fifth in a row. The team practiced the next morning, Brown spoke to the media, and then, while he was on his way to the airport for their next game, he received the news of his dismissal over the phone. It’s a complete lack of class and courage.”
Malone wasn’t alone in his condemnation. A chorus of support for Brown emerged from prominent coaches across the league, including Rick Carlisle, Tom Thibodeau, Steve Kerr, Tyronn Lue, and Jamahl mosley.
Brown’s dismissal is particularly striking considering his extraordinary first season with the Kings, where he was named Coach of the Year and led the team back to the playoffs after a 17-year absence. His overall record with Sacramento was 107 wins and 88 losses.
This latest firing adds to a troubling pattern for the Kings, who have seen a revolving door of coaches under owner Vivek Ranadivé as 2013. Brown becomes the seventh head coach to be dismissed during Ranadivé’s tenure, highlighting a concerning lack of stability within the institution.
The Kings’ coaching carousel raises serious questions about the franchise’s direction and the level of support provided to its coaching staff. As the team searches for its next leader, the shadow of this tumultuous history looms large.
Talking Tactics: A Conversation with Coach Hubie Brown
Welcome back to Talking Tactics, everyone! Today, we have a true legend of the game joining us. Please welcome NBA champion coach and analyst Hubie Brown!
Coach Brown, thanks so much for joining us today.
Hubie: Always a pleasure, [Your Name].
Let’s dive right into this current saga surrounding the Sacramento Kings.Seven coaches in 10 years—it’s a dizzying rate of turnover. Mike Brown’s dismissal, after leading them back to the playoffs and earning Coach of the Year honors just last season, has sent shockwaves through the league. What are your initial thoughts on this situation?
Hubie: [Your Name], it’s baffling, frankly. It’s not just the firing, though the way it was handled, over the phone after a tough stretch, shows a lack of professionalism and respect.It’s the broader pattern.You can’t build a sustainable program with this level of instability.Players need consistency, need to know their coach has the backing of ownership. It seems like a merry-go-round of coaches,and the franchise itself is paying the price.
Coach Malone, who himself was let go by Sacramento, echoed this sentiment, calling the situation “appalling.” Do you think there’s something specific about the Kings’ culture that contributes to this pattern?
Hubie: I wouldn’t say it’s unique to Sacramento,but there may be something within the association that fosters this sense of impatience. You have an owner who seems fast to make drastic changes.
Remember, a coach can only do so much. Players have to execute; front offices have to make smart decisions. It takes time to build a winning team,and it takes ownership commitment to the process.
Right, it’s a collaborative effort—and firing a coach after one rough poor patch, especially after a successful season, simply doesn’t seem conducive to building anything long-lasting.
Hubie: Precisely. Look at what Coach Popovich has built in San Antonio, Coach Kerr in Golden state. It takes time, trust, and shared vision. You have to weather the storms.
Let’s talk about Mike Brown specifically. He clearly turned things around in Sacramento, ending a 17-year playoff drought. What do you think went wrong, notably after that initial success?
Hubie: As a listening coach and seeing the team from the outside, it seemed the team stagnated somewhat. some of the chemistry that was there early seemed to fade due to roster tweaks and the pressure of repeating their success.
However, even with those difficulties, firing a coach with a winning record is usually a sign of further issues within the team’s structure.It raises questions about the involvement of the front office and ownership.
Hubie: [Your name], it is exactly what it insinuates. It begs the question, what is the objective here? Is it short-term gains, appeasing restless fans? Or is it a long-term vision for sustained success? To me, a consistent winning culture isn’t built on firing coaches after every minor setback.
Now, let’s look at the bigger picture. Do you think this type of instability is a growing problem in the NBA?
Hubie: I worry about it.
There’s pressure from media, social media, and fan expectations – everyone wants instant results. That can lead to owners making rash decisions. I’m old school: I believe in giving coaches time and support to build something meaningful. You have to trust the process.
This brings us back to Sacramento.
What advice would you give the Kings’ ownership moving forward?
Hubie: Patience. Vision. Commitment. Find a coach they believe in, give them the resources, and let them build. There are no magic solutions, no quick fixes in the NBA. It takes time, and it takes belief.
Thanks for those insightful remarks, Coach Brown.
Hubie: My pleasure.
what are your thoughts on the Kings’ situation and the broader issue of coaching instability in the NBA? Sound off in the comments below.