NY Knicks hire two-time NBA Coach of the Year Mike Brown to guide club

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Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers is defended by Mikal Bridges of the New York Knicks during the NBA Eastern Conference Finals.

PHOTO: AFP

NEW YORK – Mike Brown, a two-time NBA Coach of the Year, has been hired as head coach of the New York Knicks for his “championship pedigree”, the NBA team announced on Monday.

The 55-year-old American went 454-304 as the head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento. The Kings fired him last December after a 13-18 start.

“After a thorough and extensive search process, we are pleased to announce Mike Brown as the head coach of the New York Knicks,” Knicks president Leon Rose said.

“Mike has coached on the biggest stages in our sport and brings championship pedigree to our organization.

“His experience leading the bench during the NBA Finals, winning four titles as an assistant coach and his ability to grow and develop players will all help us as we aim to bring a championship to New York.”

The Knicks, who have not won an NBA title since 1973, reached the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2000, but lost to the Indiana Pacers.

That was enough to prompt the Knicks to fire Tom Thibodeau last month after five years as head coach.

“Leon and our staff ran a thorough and thoughtful process that led our organization to Mike and I’m pleased to see him on the sideline for us next season,” Knicks owner James L. Dolan said.

Brown went 107-88