Advertisement - scroll for more content
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement - scroll for more content
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
RC Buford: “I think we had many coaches over the last 10 years who could have stepped into that role. Ime Udoka was with us, along with James Borrego, Brett Brown, Mike Budenholzer, and Will Hardy. There were many people with us who could have stepped into that role, but the longer Coach Pop stayed, the more those coaches moved on to other opportunities. When we needed Mitch to step up, he did so in a big way. It was incredibly emotional for him to take on that role. ‘Interim’ is probably the wrong word, because at the time of Pop’s stroke, we didn’t know whether Pop could come back. Mitch had that year to show the players—and all of us—who he could be as a coach.”
Popovich has been a fierce advocate of Pierce ever since Mike Brown and Brett Brown recommended that Popovich choose him as an assistant on the national team staff. When Pierce was fired by the Atlanta Hawks in March 2021, in his third season as head coach, Popovich publicly defended him, dismissing that decision as "missing on a really good player in the draft or evaluating somebody wrongly." He also called Pierce right away, wanting to make something crystal clear to him. "Hey, I just want to let you know I think it's bulls---," Popovich told Pierce. "But also, I want to make sure you know that you're still part of the Olympic staff." Pierce was hired as the lead assistant for the Pacers in July 2021. Through it all, having Popovich's stamp of approval has been deeply meaningful to him. "It just validates what you're doing, keep doing," Pierce said. "And it's really that simple. Because if Pop approves, f--- everyone else."
In addition to Van Gundy, Redick credits Doc Rivers and Brett Brown as integral figures in his growth as a professional. Rivers, known for his leadership and ability to get the best out of his players, helped Redick find his voice as a leader on the court. “Doc was obviously one of the best,” Redick reflects. “He made me understand the value of being a team player and knowing how to perform under pressure.” Brett Brown, meanwhile, helped Redick transition into the later years of his career with the Philadelphia 76ers. “Brett was wonderful as well,” says Redick. “He gave me the freedom to be myself while also pushing me to grow. Each of these guys taught me something different, and I carry their lessons with me every day.”
Who was your favorite coach you played for? Robert Covington: Brett Brown. He made it more than just basketball. He taught us about life, taught us about different things. Just to help us go through that tough phase that we were in, in The Process years. He’s one of my favorite coaches. The things I learned from him and the coaching staff, my player development coach, Lloyd Pierce, will stay with me forever.
With Spurs coach Gregg Popovich sidelined indefinitely by an unspecified health issue, it would make sense had San Antonio named Brett Brown as interim coach given Brown's seven seasons' worth of experience as the head coach in Philadelphia. But I'm told that the choice to stand in for Popovich was always going to be the 39-year-old Mitch Johnson rather than the 63-year-old Brown.
Advertisement
Several other players, privately and publicly, have questioned Bickerstaff’s tactics, rotations, minute allocation, schemes, in-game management, adjustments and practice habits at various points. There is wonder about whether he can help take this franchise to next level, with one source using a comparison to former 76ers coach Brett Brown, who led Philadelphia through The Process but was ultimately replaced by Doc Rivers.
Former Sixers coach Brett Brown, now an assistant with the Spurs, also witnessed Embiid's historic night. The 29-year-old expressed gratitude towards Brown, acknowledging his role in his development. "I'm glad I did it in front of him," Embiid said with a smile. "Nah, but obviously, I started with him. My first coach. He's taught me a lot. Not just on the basketball side, but off the court, too. Just maturing. He's a big part of it, so it's always good to see him."
Adding to the romance, former Boomers coach Brett Brown is an assistant there, as is Mills' former Boomers teammate Matt Nielsen. "I'd love to see him back at San Antonio and finish his career there," Goorjian told AAP. "I'm sure it's something he'd love too. You're always better when you're happy. I know he loves San Antonio. I know he loves coach Pop. He's got a real connection with Matty and Brett as well.”
Over the years with you trying to get back into game shape and back into the league, which players or people have given you encouragement? Zhaire Smith: Really nobody. During the hospital, of course a couple Sixer teammates texted me. Markelle Fultz, Brett Brown, and some of the other teammates like [Norvel] Pelle, [Joel] Embiid, they reached out, but that’s about it from what I can remember. Over the years, Tyler Lashbrook. He and me be keeping in contact.
Eric Walden: Jazz coach Will Hardy said he got to know and befriend Joe Ingles through Brett Brown and Patty Mills and the Australian National Team: “We bonded over sarcasm. … It’ll be fun to talk some trash to Joe. I’m glad I’m not wearing a mic tonight.”
Advertisement
Jeff McDonald: Per Spurs, Pop will not coach tonight's game due to non-COVID illness. Brett Brown is out tonight too with illness. As such, Mitch Johnson is the Spurs' acting coach tonight.
Tom Orsborn: Pop thrown out after following "Do your job" with something else much harsher directed at Jenna Schroeder. Brett Brown now in charge.
