Gregg Popovich mentored Mike Brown to coaching success: ‘Special

Mike Brown, currently leading the New York Knicks against the Spurs in the Finals, worked as an assistant under Gregg Popovich from 2000 to 2003. Despite that close relationship, Brown explained before Game 1 why he wouldn’t dare seek guidance from his old boss, according to New York Post.

The veteran coach said Popovich is too competitive and savvy to offer genuine help when the stakes are this high. He’d give me some BS that worked against us, Brown quipped before the series began.

The humor-laced comment reflects Popovich’s own coaching philosophy. During his 29 seasons leading the Spurs, the 77-year-old prioritized surrounding himself with people who could laugh at themselves and use humor to manage the pressure of long NBA seasons. Popovich has been known to remove staff members who couldn’t handle or deliver a joke, as New York Post reports.

That environment suited Brown perfectly. Known for being deeply likable and quick to laugh at himself, he thrived under Popovich’s mentorship and won a championship with San Antonio in 2003—the second of Popovich’s five rings during his historic 22 consecutive postseason appearances.

A Career Journey Shaped by Popovich

Brown’s road to the Finals has been anything but smooth. Over 29 years, he has served as either an assistant or head coach for eight NBA franchises and been fired four times as a lead coach. He’s worked with superstars including LeBron James and Kobe Bryant, and coached under both Popovich and Steve Kerr.

After leading the Knicks to a 105-104 Game 2 victory over San Antonio on Friday, Brown now stands just two wins away from his first NBA championship as a head coach.

He credits his time with Popovich as transformative, calling the Spurs legend iconic not just in San Antonio but across the basketball world. Brown said the lessons he learned went far beyond game strategy.

The most valuable takeaway wasn’t about X’s and O’s, Brown explained. Instead, Popovich taught him people skills—how to connect not just with 15 or 18 players but with an entire city or even an entire state.

Personal Support Beyond Basketball

Popovich’s influence on Brown extended into deeply personal territory. When Brown separated from his wife in 2002, Popovich famously threatened to fire him if he traveled with the team rather than staying with his two young sons, who were crying at the airport during a difficult goodbye.

Years later, after Brown was fired by the Cavaliers in 2014, Popovich offered him a position as a volunteer consultant with the Spurs. That role helped restore Brown’s reputation and led to his hiring as an assistant with the Warriors in 2016.

Brown described Popovich as second to none in how he treats people off the court during personal struggles. He credited his former coach with helping him tremendously through both good and bad times in his personal life.

Mentor Watches from the Stands

Popovich retired after suffering a stroke in November 2024 and now watches games from the stands. He regularly texts Spurs rising star Victor Wembanyama, mentoring the young phenom as he develops into what many believe will be the future face of the league.

But across the sideline during these Finals sits another of Popovich’s protégés. Brown is in his first season with the Knicks after being fired by the Kings in December 2024. In a short time, he has won over Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and the demanding fanbase of the NBA’s biggest market.

Brown remains deeply grateful to Popovich for both helping him reach the pinnacle of his profession and for their enduring friendship. He called him a special human being.

With information from New York Post