Knicks' Mike Brown remains even keeled
Knicks head coach Mike Brown speaks to the media at the MSG Training Facility on Friday. Credit: Howard Simmons
It’s a mantra that Mike Brown learned when he worked for Rick Carlisle: “Never get too high, never get too low."
Sure, it’s cliche, but it’s something that – coming from an NBA championship-winning head coach and player – has helped Brown stay even-keeled.
In light of the recent news that Mitchell Robinson broke his pinkie and had to undergo surgery, the mantra is a helpful reminder for Brown, who worked for Carlisle with the Pacers from 2003-05.
“We all have had curveballs come at you that are bigger than this in life,” Brown said after Friday’s practice. “And trying to even do it when you have those curveballs helps you prepare for something that is really a kid's game. And so that's what I try to do no matter what it is. And that's why, again, no offense to you guys (the media), but, I don't read – I try like hell to not read and/or watch anything that's printed, social media, any of that, whether it's good or bad, because I'm human and I can do this (go up) and do that (go down).”
And he doesn’t even want to know about every detail of his players’ injuries.
“Also, if somebody does get hurt, please, I ask – our performance people know this – don't tell me. Go tell Leon (Rose). You guys talk about it. Hash it out. And when somebody is ready to go, let me know because I'll get screwed up if I don't. It's just been something of mine that I've tried to carry my whole life, but it got reinforced when I worked for Rick. And I really try to do it now as a head coach, especially with this team in New York City.”
Ben Dickson is Newsday Sports' general assignment reporter. He joined Newsday’s high school sports staff in 2023 after graduating from Maryland, where he covered several of the Terrapins' teams.
