NEW YORK — Mike Brown wasted no time savoring the perks of his new role as head coach of the New York Knicks. At his introductory press conference Tuesday, the 55-year-old revealed he’d already begun treating his fiancée to Manhattan’s finest restaurants – knowing such opportunities would vanish once the season begins.
“There’s a lot of work to do,” said Brown, dressed sharply in a navy suit with a Knicks lapel pin. “But I’m looking forward to getting started.”
Stepping Into Big Shoes
Brown officially became the 32nd coach in franchise history Monday, succeeding Tom Thibodeau after the Knicks’ deepest playoff run in 25 years. Though careful not to criticize his predecessor – whom he repeatedly called “a friend” – Brown inherits a team coming off back-to-back 50-win seasons for the first time since the 1990s.
The two-time NBA Coach of Year avoided specifics about potential changes but emphasized adapting his system to the roster’s strengths. “I’ll mesh my philosophies with this talented group,” he said, noting his staff hires and player meetings in coming weeks would shape his approach.
Pressure? Bring It On
When asked about replacing a coach who nearly reached the NBA Finals, Brown didn’t flinch.
“Nobody has bigger expectations than I do,” he said. “This is the Knicks and Madison Square Garden – it’s iconic. I love and embrace these expectations.”
He knows high standards well. Brown led LeBron James’ Cavaliers to their first Finals in 2007 but was fired twice by Cleveland (2010, 2013) and famously dismissed by the Lakers just five games into his second season. Most recently, the Kings let him go last December despite ending their 16-year playoff drought under his watch in 2023.
“The league has ebbs and flows in hiring and firing,” Brown said with seasoned perspective.
Roster Strengths & Accountability
The four-time NBA champion assistant (Spurs, Warriors) praised his new roster’s versatility – from Jalen Brunson’s two-way play to Karl-Anthony Towns’ scoring and Mitchell Robinson’s defense. He also highlighted newcomers Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele as key depth pieces.
But Brown stressed that mutual accountability would define his tenure. Known for blunt feedback, he vowed transparency with players:
“It’s about trust. Once you build relationships, you can talk openly about what’s needed. I’ll be honest with them, and I expect the same in return.”
As the Knicks aim to build on recent success, Brown’s mix of experience and adaptability will face immediate scrutiny in the league’s most unforgiving spotlight. One thing’s certain: His dinner reservations won’t stay open for long.