Mike Brown lays out Knicks’ vision in introductory press conference

Joe Mayo

Mike Brown lays out Knicks’ vision in introductory press conference image

The New York Knicks officially hired Mike Brown as their new head coach Monday, and he addressed the media Tuesday to share his plans for the club’s future. 

Brown was dismissed by the Sacramento Kings in December 2024 following a disappointing start to the season. Now, he takes on the challenge of leading New York to its first NBA championship since 1973. 

According to James L. Edwards III of The Athletic, Brown used his introductory presser to outline his long-term goals and emphasize his desire to build a winning culture in New York. 

“Our goal is to build a sustainable, winning culture that leads to championships,” Brown said. “That’s why I’m here. I’m fortunate enough to know what it takes to reach that success.”

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He has won four NBA championships as an assistant coach, including three with the Golden State Warriors under head coach Steve Kerr. Brown also reached the NBA Finals in 2007 as the head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

A two-time NBA Coach of the Year over his career, Brown logged a 107-88 record in two-plus seasons with Sacramento, including a third-place finish in the 2022-23 season. 

Though the bright lights of Madison Square Garden can be intimidating, Brown is welcoming the challenge. 

“No one has bigger expectations than I do,” he said. “I love and embrace the expectations that come with [being in New York].”

Brown steps into an ideal situation with a Knicks roster that is already built to contend. With Jalen Brunson leading a strong supporting cast that includes Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and Josh Hart, New York has the talent to make a run in a wide-open Eastern Conference.

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Joe Mayo

Joe Mayo is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. Born and raised in Wisconsin, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2024. He’s also a contributor at RotoWire. While Joe primarily writes about the NBA, he also covers the WNBA and MLB.