After an illustrious career spanning over half a century in professional basketball, legendary announcer Hubie Brown bid an emotional farewell as he called his final game on Sunday, with the Milwaukee Bucks triumphing over the Philadelphia 76ers 135-127. The 91-year-old Brown, a former coach turned longtime broadcaster, was showered with tributes from the NBA community as he marked the end of an era.
During the telecast’s conclusion, Brown expressed gratitude to his family and fans, remarking, “I have so many things to be thankful for, but my family and I can never thank everyone enough. We just want to send them the love that I’ve seen today right back with a big hug. It was a fantastic ride.”
In a touching moment, players from both teams approached Brown to shake his hand before the game, with a standing ovation and a heartfelt video tribute playing on the Fiserv Forum scoreboard during the opening timeout. Responding with blown kisses to the crowd and mouthing “Thank you,” Brown was visibly moved, admitting that he was close to tears as the video aired.
Reflecting on his beginnings in Milwaukee where he started as an assistant coach with the Bucks under Larry Costello in 1972, Brown shared, “When I came here to the Milwaukee Bucks and Larry Costello, I received a master’s degree and a doctorate’s degree in basketball in two years,” setting the stage for his remarkable coaching and broadcasting journey.
Throughout his career, Brown coached various teams including the ABA’s Kentucky Colonels and the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, New York Knicks, and Memphis Grizzlies, earning accolades such as an ABA title in 1975 and two NBA Coach of the Year awards. He transitioned to a successful broadcasting role, covering 18 NBA Finals and ultimately being enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2005.
Reverence poured in from peers and admirers, with Bucks guard Damian Lillard acknowledging Brown’s impact on the sport, underscoring his instrumental role in shaping the league. Colleagues like play-by-play broadcaster Mike Breen hailed Brown as a mentor and father figure to many, emphasizing the profound influence he had on generations of basketball enthusiasts.
The broadcast paid tribute to Brown’s pioneering contributions, featuring clips from his first NBA telecast in 1981 and testimonials from NBA luminaries, underscoring his passion and dedication to the game. As a final homage, Philadelphia coach Nick Nurse presented Brown with a miniature Liberty Bell, symbolizing the profound mark he has left on the basketball world.
As Brown bids farewell to a storied career, his legacy remains indelible, a testament to his unwavering commitment and love for the game that has endeared him to countless fans and colleagues alike.
Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers shared before the game his deep admiration for the coaching prowess of Brown, emphasizing that he is one of the go-to mentors whom he frequently consults for guidance. “He was one of my first calls every time, and still is when things get tough or when I’m grappling with a complex issue,” Rivers expressed. He acknowledged seeking Brown’s wisdom in challenging moments because he believed that the seasoned coach and broadcaster had encountered nearly every possible scenario in his illustrious career spanning over half a century in the professional basketball realm.
Brook Lopez, the experienced center for the Milwaukee Bucks, made a point to engage with Brown prior to the game, expressing his profound respect for the former coach and broadcaster’s significant impact on the NBA. Lopez fondly remembered one of his earliest interactions with Brown, labeling it as a memorable “welcome to the league” experience when Brown called one of his games. Meeting him in person, Lopez cherished the moment, learning that Brown was a fan of his playing style and appreciated his contributions to the game. Lopez revealed that Brown consistently provided valuable insights to help him improve his skills, highlighting the enduring coaching mentality ingrained in Brown’s DNA and his unwavering commitment to aiding players in their development.
As the Milwaukee Bucks geared up for the upcoming game, Rivers took the opportunity to educate the team’s youngest members about Brown’s extensive legacy in the basketball world. When the young players exhibited unawareness of Brown’s achievements, Lopez stepped in to deliver a comprehensive overview. Rivers commended Lopez for providing an impressive historical account of Hubie Brown’s career, including the significance of Brown’s final game being in Milwaukee due to the city’s integral role in his coaching journey alongside Larry Costello. Brown reflected on the profound impact that Milwaukee had on his career, emphasizing the meaningful closure of concluding his coaching tenure in a place where he gathered invaluable knowledge and experience.
In Brown’s perspective, wrapping up his coaching career in Milwaukee held special significance as it symbolized a full circle moment, where he deeply appreciated the wealth of wisdom and growth he attained during his time in the city.
