At the age of 90, Hubie Brown signed an extension with ESPN back in 2023. Tomorrow will mark his final day in the booth after two decades as a broadcaster. Let’s not forget that he has completed 52 years with the NBA as well. His hooping career began in 1958 and even began coaching teams. He would continue coaching until 2004 and then began his broadcasting journey at the age of 71.
Last year, multiple personal losses made him stay away from the game and that’s why ESPN planned a special night tomorrow. “We are going to give Hubie one last shot on a game. He deserves that. We think the world of him.” ESPN president Burke Magnus confirmed special plans for a perfect send-off for the legend. Let’s deep dive into the legend’s career.
From the sidelines to the coaching booth, Hubie Brown saw the best of the best
He took his first college basketball coach job back in 1968, which also involved teaching. 4 years later, he was part of the Bucks as an assistant coach, which featured Oscar Robertson and Kareem Abdul Jabbar. That assistant’s job helped him clinch the head honcho position of the ABA’s Kentucky Colonels, where he also won his first championship. After the merger of the NBA and the ABA, Hubie Brown managed 3 teams until 2004.
Hawks (76-81), Knicks (82-87), and Grizzlies (02-04). When he joined the Memphis franchise, it was after a sixteen-year break, and he also became the oldest coach at the time (69). The 03-04 season was a complete turnaround for the Grizzlies as they managed to enter the playoffs for the first time in their history. That year, even Hubie Brown won the Coach of the Year because of his impact on the team.
The NBA on ESPN page added a caption with a carousel post for the Hall of Famer. “Hubie Brown’s final game as a broadcaster comes full circle—calling it with Mike Breen and right where his NBA journey began in 1972 .” The first post was a quote from Mike Breen who will accompany him for the final game. The second slide consisted of his journey through decades via three photos.
The first one of him coaching Robertson and Kareem in 1972. While the second one signified his chops against the greats like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. As stated previously, he was the coach of the Grizzlies, which was his final time donning the coaching hat. The last photo on 2nd slide pointed out his 2023 games, which he called for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Victor Wembanyama. Just the players he has seen evolve in front of his eyes is magical.
Looking back at a personal loss that the Hall of Famer faced
The tragic demise of his 54-year-old son, Brendan Brown, could be one of the biggest reasons behind his retirement. The family announced his passing on November 5. Brown Jr. was 54 at the time of his untimely demise. Brendan Brown was also an analyst for MSG Network analyst and Knicks radio guest. But the “health complications” led to a loss to the Hall of Famer.
He lost his wife, Clair, too last year back in June. “Losing Claire and then Brendan. It’s been a tough couple of months.” In a trembling voice, Hubie Brown expressed his sorrow to the NY Times. Even though he is calling an end to his career, his legacy has left enough to impact the next generations.
In his career, Brown has called 18 NBA Finals between TV and radio. That spell happened during his 35 years as a national TV and radio analyst. Yet he says he’ll be nervous on Sunday, just like any other game.
The post Hubie Brown Retirement: Inside the 91-Year-Old’s Legendary Career, Impact & How He Shaped NBA for Generations appeared first on EssentiallySports.
