Mike Brown Introduced as Head Coach, Again – Cleveland Cavaliers

May 18, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Mike Brown reacts to a foul call during the first half of game three of the Western Conference semifinals of the 2012 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Brown was introduced as the head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers again today. The press conference took place at the Cleveland Clinic Courts with Mike Brown, owner Dan Gilbert and General Manager Chris Grant.

It started off with Chris Grant speaking to the media about why the Cavaliers wanted Brown, and what made him the perfect fit for this team. Brown fits the passionate, hard working, grinding, defensive-first model that Grant was looking for. Brown and his family recently moved back to Cleveland. He wanted to be here, and always had a love and passion for this city.

Key Notes from Press Conference:

The biggest question in my mind was asked to Dan Gilbert: Do you regret letting Brown go three years ago? Dan Gilbert came out with it, “Yeah it was a mistake to let Mike go”. He talked about the craziness in the organization from top to bottom during that time, and mentioned more than once that he made a mistake. Brown was more positive though, saying, “It’s funny how life works out. From afar, Cleveland has always been special in my heart and in my family’s heart”.

Brown talked about the identity for his team. His team will be, “tough-minded, physical, defensive minded and smart.” He spoke about the city and it’s fans. “The passion here is unbelievable. I feel fortunate to be able to have the opportunity to come back.” When asked about whether he had to think about if he wanted to make a return, Brown said, “I had another team that talked to me, but I didn’t feel it fit. Initially it was a shocker, but I got back to the foundation for what these guys[Grant and Gilbert] have and once I got to that it was easy”.

Brown talked about whether he thought he had unfinished business here, after how it ended the first time. “Definitely. You want to bring [the fans] a championship they can tell their grandkids about”.

Dan Gilbert and Mike Brown spoke about the playoffs as well, where Brown has made it past the first round every year he has been a head coach. “It’s too soon. It is going to be a process. Are we shooting for it? Yes. But we have a lot of work to get there”.
Gilbert was optimistic about the possibility; “Words do not describe for us how much the passion in this city drives this organization. The last three years have been extremely difficult. As long as we are making progress, I wouldn’t be surprised if this team was in the playoffs next year”.

Obviously, the one thing the national media is wondering is how this hire will affect the possibility of LeBron James returning in 14 months. This was brought up in the press conference, when Dan Gilbert was asked whether that possibility was brought up when considering Mike Brown. Gilbert responded with, ” We honestly talk about today. We can’t control that, we understand that, but were focused on this year. There’s so much that happens in a year, you can’t even speculate in the next 12 months what’s going to happen. You can’t get too far ahead of yourself, because you don’t know where you’re going to be. It’s a completely different team. We felt he [Brown] was the best fit for the reasons we mentioned. This is such a different business than any other in the world. We feel fortunate that this option is available in a business of limited options.”

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There were many laughs and welcome backs in this press conference. It was very positive, with nothing but positive things said by all parties involved. Mike Brown couldn’t hold back how excited he was to get back to work for the people he loves, and the people who fired him three years ago. It is going to be a different team when they step on the floor in October.