Quote:
CLEVELAND -- For the first time in recent memory, the Cleveland Cavaliers made an off-season coaching move that didn't involve someone being hired or fired.
Mike Brown, who led Cleveland to 50 regular-season wins and the second round of the NBA playoffs in his first year as coach, was rewarded Thursday as the club picked up his $2.5 million contract option.
Brown signed a three-year, $10 million deal with the option last June when he was named the 17th coach in franchise history -- and the Cavs' sixth in six years.
"It seemed like the right thing to do," general manager Danny Ferry said. "From [owner] Dan Gilbert's perspective and my perspective, this is the guy we believe is the right one to lead our team, and why not show the commitment to him."
In exercising their option two years before they had to, the Cavaliers have shown a deeper commitment to the 36-year-old Brown, who began his pro coaching career breaking down videotape for the Denver Nuggets.
"We didn't have to do this now," said Ferry. "But we thought it was the right thing to do. He doesn't need a vote of confidence. It wasn't needed, which is why I think it says even more about Mike and the job he has done."
Led by superstar LeBron James, the Cavaliers went 50-32 during the regular season and made the playoffs for the first time since 1998. Cleveland eliminated Washington in six games in the first round, and then pushed the Detroit Pistons to a Game 7 before losing in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
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Do you think that it's good that he stayed or would you have liked to have seen a new coach? I think it's good because he did a very good job coaching this year, leading them to 50 wins and to the playoffs for the first time in 13 years and forcing a game 7 against the best team in the league, according to their record. I'm happy to see him stay and hopefully there won't be a lot of changes this year in the off season.
What do you guys think?
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05-26-2006, 08:34 AM
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