Nuggets’ Michael Malone Criticizes Kings’ Firing of Mike Brown: “No Class”
Orlando, Fla. — Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone didn’t hold back in his reaction to the Sacramento Kings’ decision to fire Mike Brown. Expressing his displeasure with the move, Malone criticized the team and owner Vivek Ranadive for showing “no class.”
The Kings parted ways with Brown on Friday, sources confirmed to ESPN’s Shams Charania, following a disappointing 13-18 start to the season and a 12th-place standing in the Western Conference. Brown’s firing marked a swift turn of events, given his success just a year earlier.
Malone’s Personal Connection and Reaction
Malone, who coached the Kings for two seasons, has a personal history with the organization. He was fired by Ranadive in December 2014, and Brown’s firing marked the sixth coaching change since Malone’s departure. Reflecting on the move, Malone admitted he wasn’t surprised by the decision but expressed outrage at the way it was handled.
“I’m not surprised that Mike Brown got fired because I got fired by the same person,” Malone said. “And what really pissed me off about it was the fact that they lost last night, their fifth game in a row. Tough loss. They had practiced this morning, he does his postgame media, and he’s in his car going to the airport when they called him on the phone. No class, no balls. That’s what I’ll say about that.”
Reactions from Other Coaches
Malone wasn’t alone in his condemnation. Several NBA coaches expressed their disbelief and disappointment over Brown’s dismissal.
Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle opened his pregame media session by addressing the firing, calling it “shocking.” He praised Brown’s integrity and professionalism, saying, “I view him as one of the standard bearers for integrity for our profession. I’m absolutely shocked that decision was made.”
Orlando Magic coach Jamahl Mosley, a close friend and mentor of Brown, also shared his thoughts, acknowledging Brown’s positive impact on the Kings’ culture. “He compiled a record of 107-88 while he was there. He changed a bit of that culture,” Mosley said. “I say these things not as a fellow coach, but as a close friend. He’s been a mentor to me, and I know how good he is and how he cares.”
A Stark Contrast: From Coach of the Year to Fired
Brown’s firing comes as a surprise given his accomplishments. Just last season, he was named the unanimous NBA Coach of the Year after leading the Kings to the playoffs for the first time since 2006. Despite his success, the Kings were quick to pull the trigger after a slow start to the current season.
New York Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau, also a two-time Coach of the Year, expressed his disappointment: “Mike’s a terrific person and a great coach. It’s unfortunate.”
Shocking Nature of the Firing
Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, who worked closely with Brown as his assistant, also voiced his shock. “It just seems so shocking when a guy’s the unanimous Coach of the Year a year and a half ago,” Kerr said. “When you think about where that franchise was before Mike got there… really shocking.”
The Bigger Picture: NBA Coaching Changes
Brown’s firing is part of a broader trend of coaching changes in the NBA. In 2024 alone, there have already been nine head coaching changes, bringing the total to 300 since Gregg Popovich became the head coach of the San Antonio Spurs in 1996.
Brown, who previously coached the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, and a second stint with Cleveland before joining the Kings, has had a varied coaching career but will likely land on his feet, according to Rick Carlisle. “Mike’s a great man and a great basketball man. Really one of the pillars of our profession,” Carlisle said. “It’s just hard to believe that this decision was made. But teams have the right to do things like this, obviously.”
Conclusion
While Brown’s firing is part of the unpredictable nature of the NBA coaching profession, the swift and impersonal nature of the decision has left many in the basketball world questioning the Kings’ approach. Despite the challenges, Brown’s character and coaching acumen ensure that he will continue to have a lasting impact on the game and the people who know him.
