A tribute to Hubie Brown …

Hubie Brown stands out as one of the finest NBA analysts we’ve ever experienced in the league. His unmistakable enthusiasm for basketball is truly commendable. Here’s a guy who skillfully discusses the game’s modern strategies while also offering coaching insights from as far back as the 1950s. It’s no wonder we relish the opportunity to hear Hubie Brown commentate on NBA games. He’s a Basketball Hall of Famer and undeniably one of the league’s greatest figures.

While many might try to imitate his unique style, Hubie Brown remains unmatched in his extensive basketball knowledge, passion, respect, and dedication over the years.

This Sunday, the 91-year-old Brown will be calling his last NBA game — featuring the Philadelphia 76ers against the Milwaukee Bucks — alongside play-by-play announcer Mike Breen.

“His influence on NBA fans is equal to that of any player or coach,” Breen told YSL News Sports. “I genuinely believe no one has educated basketball enthusiasts as extensively as Hubie has. He is the top teacher in the history of basketball.”

If he isn’t considered a national treasure, Brown, who was honored in the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2005, is certainly an NBA gem.

Brown, who often turned down interview requests in anticipation of his final broadcast, has an impressive resume that includes playing and coaching at the high school, college, and professional levels. For the past 52 years, he has been a vital part of both the NBA and ABA, serving as a coach and announcer. He was a teenager during the NBA’s inaugural season in 1946 and became an NBA assistant coach for the Bucks in 1972.

“Nobody explains the intricate elements of basketball better than Hubie Brown. He is the ultimate instructor of the sport and a legendary figure for generations of NBA fans. We celebrate Hubie for having one of the most remarkable careers in the history of the league.” – NBA Commissioner Adam Silver

His first NBA head coaching role was with the Atlanta Hawks in 1976, following two seasons with the ABA’s Kentucky Colonels. He also spent over four seasons with the New York Knicks, who dismissed him after a 4-12 start in the 1986-87 season. This marked the beginning of his career in television.

Nonetheless, Brown’s coaching journey continued. The Memphis Grizzlies hired him in 2002 for his teaching prowess, and remarkably, he won NBA Coach of the Year honors in both 1977-78 and 2003-04.

Many NBA fans today know Brown primarily through his role as a TV commentator. He joined ABC/ESPN in 2004 and has broadcast over 600 games, including being the network’s voice for 18 NBA Finals.

His knack for breaking down the game, translating it for viewers, and conveying it with his characteristic style has deeply resonated with fans and fellow commentators alike.

“You can sense his love for the game in his voice,” Breen recounted. “He has a way of explaining things that anyone—whether a lifelong fan or a newcomer—can grasp. He connects with every type of NBA viewer.”

“The best part is he never just states the obvious. He goes beyond simply describing what you see on the court; he tells you why it’s happening, and he does so with such expertise that every time feels like a valuable lesson,” Breen added.

Alongside Mike Tirico and Dave Pasch, Breen has worked the most games with Brown at ESPN/ABC and requested the honor of calling Brown’s final game.

“We are incredibly thankful for Hubie’s significant contributions to ESPN. The credibility and authority he has brought have elevated our NBA coverage, educating and entertaining fans with his distinct style. With six decades in the sport—spanning coaching and broadcasting—few are as dedicated to basketball as Hubie, and we are thrilled to celebrate him as he deserves on February 9.” – ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro

Brown began coaching back in the 1950s when the game was vastly different. He kept himself updated with evolving styles and steered clear of outdated notions about how basketball should be played.

“I don’t recall him ever saying, ‘Back in the sixties, they did this better,’” Breen remarked. “He consistently appreciated the dedication and effort of current players and coaches. He understood the struggle to succeed in the league, regardless of the prevailing style. He recognized how challenging it was to compete at the highest level and strive for victory, and he never took that lightly.”

“And he never believed that one style was superior to another. His love for the game—its competition, strategy, and individual talents—was what made it all so remarkable.”

Broadcast teams often consult with head coaches before games to discuss strategies, which aids in providing insightful commentary during broadcasts. Breen values those pre-game meetings immensely.

“It’s a fantastic part of the job; sometimes you could sense the coach felt a bit intimidated or anxious about discussing basketball with Hubie Brown,” Breen explained. “Hubie was direct with his inquiries, and you could tell from the questions that the coaches realized, ‘Wow, he’s as familiar with my team as I am.’ It was amazing to witness the respect he commanded.”

Breen recounted a game last season between the Knicks and Spurs where Greg Popovich walked in and embraced Brown warmly after several years of being apart.

“It was truly moving to witness; these two monumental figures in basketball sharing such an emotional moment, lasting longer than expected. I will never forget it, and I still get emotional when I think back on it,” Breen recalled.

Popovich had suffered a stroke in November, and the previous year had seen Brown lose both his wife, Claire, and son, Brendan. With Brown being 91, there’s a keen awareness of life’s fleeting nature.

“Hubie Brown embodies everything about basketball – and he has meant so much to those lucky enough to call him a colleague and a friend. Being around such greatness in the game can be daunting, yet Hubie’s love for basketball and his willingness to share his knowledge has made working alongside him a career highlight for me. Hubie IS the essence of basketball. I can’t envision one without thinking of the other.” – ESPN reporter Lisa Salters

Brown desires minimal recognition during his final broadcast, and Breen intends to respect that wish as much as possible.

“I assured him we’d focus on analyzing the game. He’ll provide his insights,” Breen stated. “We’ll cover everything the Bucks and Sixers are doing right and wrong, as that’s his preference. He has no interest in being honored.”

“However, I’ve also told him, ‘You will inevitably need to accept that everyone wants to express their love for you.’ So, he’s prepared for that.”

Follow NBA reporter Jeff Zillgitt on social media @JeffZillgitt