"I Can't Say Enough About Our Players." | Coach Brown Shootaround 4.20.23

Hey, Mike! We've talked about it several times, and every time you've deflected the attention to your staff, your team, and the training staff. But today, we're officially here to celebrate your Coach of the Year award in your first year. How special is this for you personally?

Special doesn't even begin to cover it! My name is on that award, and it's a feeling that's hard to put into words. It's humbling, and I can't emphasize enough how much I appreciate the recognition. But, let's get one thing straight: this is a player's league. I can't say enough about our players, and I mean it from the bottom of my heart.

Monte and Wes assembled an incredible team, and I love all our players. They congratulated me, and I'm over the moon about it. But this is a group effort, from my phenomenal staff to the medical and performance teams who keep our guys healthy. It's a symphony of talent and hard work, and I wouldn't be right if I didn't recognize every single person involved.

Comparing Triumphs: Then and Now

So, Mike, how does this win compare to your first Coach of the Year award?

Well, I've got to tip my hat to young coaches like Joe Missoula and Mark in OKC. When I got my first award, everything was a blur. It was like life was on fast-forward, and I was just trying to keep up. You don't always get the chance to appreciate it because you're caught up in so many other things.

But this time around, it's different. I can sit back and reflect on how lucky and blessed I am to be surrounded by incredible people who've contributed to this achievement. It's not just impactful for me; it's a win for a lot of other people too. This is a group effort, and it takes a village to keep the engine going.

Facing the Spotlight: Sabonis and Handling Attention

Sabonis has been in the spotlight recently. Do you do anything special to check on him, especially when he might not be used to this level of attention?

Well, Sabonis is an All-Star, an All-NBA player. Players like him often go through challenging times, and it's a part of their journey. Through these challenges, they learn and grow. It's the best teaching tool in my opinion. Sabonis is level-headed, and he'll keep playing hard no matter what. He knows what he needs to do to help us win tonight.

Reflecting on an Impressive Resume

Coach, you've had an incredible coaching career, alongside luminaries like Pop, Kerr, Kobe, LeBron, and more. How does this season stack up, and where does it rank among your impressive resume?

It's tough to compare. Each season is different, but one thing that remains constant is the privilege of working with great players and great people. I've been blessed to be in these situations and to learn from everyone I've been around.

This season, our team was young and less experienced compared to some others, but it's been a blast. These guys have embraced coaching, and their willingness to learn has shown on the court. And being in Sacramento with that amazing fan base has made it even more special. The fan base there is truly unbelievable.

Preparing for the Game: Draymond's Absence

Draymond's absence is a major storyline tonight. How does that affect your preparation, and how do you think the Warriors are preparing for you?

Both sides have to make adjustments when a key player is out. We expect the Warriors to play more zone tonight with Draymond out, and we'll need to adjust our coverages accordingly. It's all part of the series, and Steve and his group are probably feeling the same way. When someone's out, the whole team has to step up.

Building a Coaching Staff: Challenges and Triumphs

Building your coaching staff is no small feat. What was it like assembling this staff, especially considering the questions surrounding the situation in previous years?

It was a great experience. Assembling a staff is always challenging because some want to come, some don't, and some can't. But I thrive on challenges. It's like a different kind of competition, seeing who you can get to create the best possible team.

Having Luke and Jordy on board from the start gave me a lot of confidence. They're not just fantastic coaches; they're fantastic people too. So, I knew we were in good hands while I was working on putting together the rest of the staff.

A Special Place: Memories at Chase Center

Walking into the arena at Chase Center, with all those yellow shirts in the crowd, must stir up emotions, especially against your former team. What's that like for you?

This place is special. I spent six incredible years here. From the top with Joe and Peter, to Bob being unbelievable, and learning so much from Steve and all the amazing players, it's been a remarkable journey. We shared some unforgettable moments here.

I'm up in Sacramento now, loving every moment of it, but you can't just forget the good times. I hope there won't be many more when we play against them, but those memories are precious.

Records and Playoffs: Does Home Advantage Matter?

You guys have the best road record in the Western Conference, while the Warriors have one of the best home records. Does that matter in the playoffs, or is it all thrown out the window?

For us, it matters to a certain degree. It's the first time our group has been together, and having the belief that we can get it done on the road is crucial. But for the Warriors, they've seen it all. Their championship experience means they're always a threat, whether it's home or away.

Keeping the Joy in the Game

Finally, that viral scream of yours from media day has become legendary. How do you maintain that spirit throughout the season, keeping the team positive through the highs and lows?

It's simple; it's just basketball. We've been playing this game since we were kids, with friends and in the neighborhood. It's about joy and having fun. While there's a serious side to our job, we can't forget that, at the end of the day, it's a game.

That mindset brings joy and fun, and that's how I try to keep it. It's all about enjoying the journey and playing a kid's game with all your heart.