Rick Carlisle praises Mike Brown's coaching after his shocking firing

In the United States, the Sacramento Kings announced the firing of head coach Mike Brown on December 31, 2024, following a string of poor performances that dropped the team to a 13-18 record. This dismissal came after the Kings suffered their fourth consecutive loss, and it was noted that Brown was informed of the decision over the phone as he was en route to the team plane, raising eyebrows within the NBA community regarding the manner of his dismissal. Brown had previously led the Kings to their first playoff appearance in over a decade during the 2022-23 season, where he won the NBA Coach of the Year award. However, the current season saw the team struggle significantly, failing to perform in crucial moments and leading to mounting frustrations within the organization. Reports indicated a growing disconnect between Brown and key players, particularly with All-Star De'Aaron Fox, which compounded the issues faced by the team. The decision to part ways with Brown led to criticism from other NBA coaches, who expressed disappointment not only in the firing itself but also in the lack of professionalism shown during the process. Coaches like Michael Malone and Steve Kerr defined the communication surrounding the dismissal as lacking respect and dignity, emphasizing the impact such decisions have on coaches and their families in the profession. Many in the coaching community were taken aback by how a coach, who had previously achieved considerable success, was treated following a difficult stretch of losses. As the Kings move forward, their focus is on recalibrating under an interim coach. The organization now faces additional scrutiny regarding its long-term plans, especially concerning the future of key players on the roster. The standard set by Brown's previous achievement is now juxtaposed with the team's current struggles, leaving the Kings with much to ponder as they seek to recover and regain competitive footing in the league.