Hubie Brown Retires
After an unprecedented 70-year journey in the game of basketball, Hubie Brown has officially called it a career. The legendary coach-turned-broadcaster worked his final NBA game on April 7, 2024, as the Milwaukee Bucks secured a 122-113 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. At 90 years old, Brown leaves behind an immeasurable legacy that has shaped the NBA from the sidelines to the broadcast boothand everything in between.
A Career Spanning Seven Decades
If there was ever a walking, talking encyclopedia of basketball, it was Hubie Brown. His career wasn’t just long; it was historic. He got his coaching start in the 1960s before moving up the ranks to the NBA, where he became known for his intense defensive mind and detail-oriented approach.
Throughout his coaching days, Brown helmed teams like the Atlanta Hawks and the New York Knicks, earning two NBA Coach of the Year awards in 1978 and 2004a staggering 26 years apart. That alone is a testament to his adaptability and sheer basketball knowledge.
The Voice of the Game
While many remember Brown as a tough, no-nonsense head coach, an entire generation grew up listening to his voice on television. After stepping away from coaching, he built a second career as one of the most distinguished NBA commentators in history.
No matter the broadcastbe it ESPN, ABC, or TNTHubie’s analysis was always crisp, informative, andmost importantlyfun. Fans quickly fell in love with the way he broke down the game, often delivering insights that made even the most hardcore basketball junkies nod in agreement.
“If you’ve watched basketball in the last 40 years, you’ve likely learned something from Hubie Brown.”
The Final Broadcast
Fittingly, Brown’s last game in the booth saw two Eastern Conference powerhouses battle it out just before the playoffs. As Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard led the Bucks to victory, there was a bittersweet air in the broadcast. It wasn’t just another NBA game; it was the last game for a legend.
There were no grand farewell speeches or over-the-top tributesjust Hubie doing what he’d done for decades: breaking down plays, praising smart basketball, and educating audiences until the final buzzer.
Basketball Says Goodbye to a Titan
At 90, Hubie Brown walks away from the game with a resume few (if any) can match. A veteran of basketball strategy, an educator of the sport, and one of the game’s all-time great commentators, his impact is indelible.
Whether you admired his coaching, adored his commentary, or just enjoyed his legendary “Now, right here…” breakdowns, there’s no denying this fact: We were lucky to have Hubie Brown for as long as we did.
