Coaching Profile: Brett Brown |
Coaching Profile: Brett Brown
By Dustin Riese "Trust the Process". Brett Brown made that phrase famous as he was set to embark in his first season as an NBA head Coach. Nine seasons later, Brown and the Sixers parted ways after his team was swept out of the playoffs this season. While Brown may not be the sexiest name on the coaching list, he is worth interviewing because he knows how to build a team. The 59 soon to be 60-year-old Brown has only had one head coaching gig, but his experience in this game goes back decades. Not only was he coaching in Australia for 13 years, but he had two stints in the San Antonio Organization, including 12 years with Gregg Popovich as director of player development. At that position, the success allowed him to land his first and only head coaching job as the man leading the way for Philadelphia. Ahead of taking that job in 2013, Brown had a chance to succeed Mike Budenholzer as the Spurs top assistant but chose to go to the head coaching ranks instead. Led by then Sixers GM Sam Hinke, Brown was inheriting a team in total rebuild mode, so you knew challenges would be looming. The challenges of not only becoming a first-time head coach but inheriting a team in complete rebuild mode certainly showed on the court as the Sixers not only had the youngest roster but lost 26 games in a row that season. Despite lots of losing the first three seasons, Brown earned fans' trust and the front office by uttering the phrase trust the process. He knew what it would take to build this team and that it would take some time. The Sixers agreed and gave him a contract extension in 2015 when things began to take off. After failing to make the playoffs in each of his first four seasons, fans began to grow frustrated with Brown and the whole process. After all, Brown had yet to win more than 28 games in a season and even went as bad as 10-72 one year. Even with all the challenges, Brown continued to go about his business as the Sixers began to pile up the draft picks. From Joel Embied to Ben Simmons to Markell Fultz, a lot of luck was involved, but the Sixers started to put the team together that Brown envisioned. Along with those players, the Sixers also spent some money in free agency and made trades to better. That led to a 52-30 record in 2017 and a postseason berth in which they lost in the second round. The next season, Brown saw his team win 51 more games to finish second in the Atlantic division and another postseason berth. For the second straight season, the Sixers were in the Conference semi-finals, where they came a last-second shot away from making the conference finals. This season was full of expectations. Philadelphia took their lumps this season but still managed to go 43-30, making the postseason once again before being ousted by Boston. Success or not, the Sixers didn't like the direction this team was heading following their postseason exit this year and elected to cut ties with Brown. Brown has compiled a 221-344 mark throughout his career, but a 146-91 mark the last three seasons, which led to playoff appearances. Brown has also held up well in the postseason going 12-14, which includes this year's 4-0 sweep. From an overall record side of things, Brown is less than overwhelming, but you need to look at the team he inherited as to where the Sixers are now. Brown went through his fair share of struggles but refused to give up and eventually build a strong Eastern Conference team. That is why I think he would be an interesting fit for the Bulls. Chicago is in a better place than where the Sixers were when he took over, but are lacking a leader to get them over the hump. The Bulls also inherit one of the leagues youngest rosters, which is something Brown is familiar with. He is known for player development, and a lot of the Bulls starts still need help in developing their games. Brown could be the man for the job. He has a relationship with current Bulls GM Marc Eversley and will be given a young roster to work with and develop it his way. This wouldn't be a five-year process like it was in Philadelphia, and instead, you're looking at one maybe two seasons to get back into playoff contention. Brown is not going to be the biggest name on the market. However, he is one of the best fits for this team, given the position they are in. If Brown can build a winner in Chicago, the city will embrace him forever. Chicago is dying to have this franchise relevant again, so let's find a coach to get us there. Click here if video does not load https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrdIUddBLec
