The Sacramento Kings have made a significant change in their coaching staff by firing Mike Brown after just 31 games into his third season. This decision comes only two years after he was awarded Coach of the Year for leading the Kings to the playoffs for the first time in 16 seasons. The Kings had high hopes for this season, especially after acquiring DeMar DeRozan, but a disappointing 13-18 start, including a five-game losing streak, ultimately led to Brown's dismissal. The final straw was a heartbreaking loss against the Detroit Pistons, where the Kings squandered a three-point lead in the closing moments.

Brown was reportedly informed of his firing via phone while en route to the airport for an upcoming game against the Los Angeles Lakers. His firing has drawn criticism from fellow coaches in the league, with many expressing disbelief at the Kings' decision. Notably, Michael Malone, the Denver Nuggets coach and a former Kings coach himself, voiced his strong disapproval, highlighting the lack of class in the manner of Brown's dismissal. Malone emphasized that while coaching is a high-pressure job where blame often falls on the head coach, there are more respectful ways to handle such situations.

Malone's comments reflect a broader sentiment among coaches who recognize the challenges faced by head coaches in the NBA. He pointed out the unfairness of the system where the coach is the first to be blamed for a team's struggles, while star players like De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis receive the credit for wins. The Kings' handling of Brown's firing raises questions about their organizational culture and the treatment of coaches, especially given the context of Brown's contributions to the franchise.