Stephen A. Smith Expects ‘Sizzle-less’ Mike Brown Hiring to Benefit Knicks

Now, several weeks later, Madison Square Garden is about to have its next head coach. Shams Charania revealed that the Knicks are about to sign Mike Brown, former head coach of the Sacramento Kings. Considering it was about the Knicks, SportsCenter contacted Stephen A. Smith for a reaction.

I respect Mike Brown. I will honestly tell you it lacks sizzle, but certainly not credentials. He’s a 4-time champion as an assistant coach. He’s a 2-time Coach of the Year. You can’t question the credentials.

Stephen A. Smith said

The 57-year-old analyst reiterated that there is no question about Mike Brown’s credentials. He hopes the front office supports Brown in his quest to lead his hometown Knicks to do whatever it takes to win their 1st-title in more than five decades.

Stephen A. Smith expects Mike Brown to at least lead Knicks to East Finals

Stephen A. Smith knows New York is starved of a basketball title, and it is the only thing that can bring the city to a standstill. That is the passion amongst New Yorkers, and they will hope the Knicks can deliver them something to brag about for years.

However, he knows that the New York Knicks need to figure out how to play better than they did last season. Since they have essentially the same roster, chemistry should not be a problem. The only remaining factor is Mike Brown, and Smith decided to lay down the minimum expectation.

I expect them to be right back where we last saw them, which was in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Boston Celtics do not have Jayson Tatum, the Milwaukee Bucks do not have Damian Lillard…. We should expect at least the same.

Stephen A. Smith said

Stephen A. Smith believes the injury situation in the Eastern Conference will help the New York Knicks. Despite the coaching change, those benefits should push the franchise back to the East Finals. For all his credentials, the least he could do was place them similarly to last time.

Mike Brown has opportunity to vindicate himself

The New York Knicks were able to speak freely with Mike Brown as he was a free agent after being fired by the Sacramento Kings earlier this past season. Now that he is about to sign on the dotted line, the Ohio native might be thrilled at this opportunity.

He is about to coach a team that is brimming with top-tier talent. The Knicks have also gone ahead to acquire quality additions to feature on the bench. With such a team at his disposal, this is the perfect chance for the 55-year-old to vindicate himself.

He has coached major superstars such as LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. He also had good teams at his disposal. However, mistakes during his early days as a head coach led to his dismissal from those teams. Now with the Knicks, he has the chance to win a title and prove that he is one of the best.