The New York Knicks officially announced Mike Brown as their new head coach, and responded immediately to the entire NBA community.
This adoption brings both optimism and skepticism about the franchise’s championship aspirations.
ESPN Insider Brian Windhorst believes Brown’s extensive experience will benefit the Knicks during playoff runs.
Former NBA player Kendrick Perkins hopes the former Sacramento Kings coach will enhance New York’s defensive identity.
NBA insider Zach Lowe presents a contrasting perspective despite Mike Brown’s qualifications. The two-time Coach of the Year winner may bring experience, but Lowe doubts his ability to push the Knicks into the knobs of the championship.
Lowe’s skepticism stems from Brown’s playoff track record. The veteran coach led the team to the NBA Finals only once in 2007. His only championship came not as a head coach, but as an assistant coach for the Golden State Warriors.
Brown’s recent success in Sacramento included the end of a 17-year playoff drought, but the Kings fell in the first round.
Most of his playoff appearances ended in the semi-finals. This is what Lowe thinks is overwhelming given the Knicks’ recent appearance in the Eastern Conference finals under Tom Thibodeau.
Lowe expressed doubt about Brown’s tactical advantage over his predecessor. “I don’t think there’s a lot of evidence that what he’s looking for is a playoff genius tactician to take over the Hump after his first conference finale in a million years.”
“I don’t think there’s much evidence that Mike Brown has a big advantage over Tom Thibodeaux in that particular category, so I think it’s important to know who they’re surrounding him.”
While acknowledging Brown’s coaching abilities, Lowe said, “I think Mike Brown is a very good coach. I agree that the atmosphere is different. The approach is a bit different. But what’s the pressure? That’s because we get to the finals.”
The pressure of the Knicks coaching is very different from other franchises due to media scrutiny and passionate fans’ expectations. The New York spotlight expands all decisions and results throughout the season.
Brown will inherit a team that has experienced unprecedented recent success and raise interests for tenure. The Knicks’ upward trajectory means that fewer than continued playoff progress is considered a regression.
Brown has to prove his fast-paced offensive system, and the elite defensive scheme can boost the Knicks beyond the recent appearance of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Championship Window is open and New York is hoping that its new coach will win the ultimate award.