The Sacramento Kings made a surprising move by firing head coach Mike Brown after just 31 games into his third season. This decision comes two years after Brown was celebrated as Coach of the Year for breaking a 16-season playoff drought in the 2022-23 season, leading the Kings to a No. 3 seed. Despite the addition of star player DeMar DeRozan during the offseason, the Kings have struggled with a 13-18 record and have recently lost five consecutive games, culminating in a heartbreaking defeat to the Detroit Pistons.

Brown was informed of his dismissal via phone while en route to the airport for a game against the Los Angeles Lakers. This abrupt firing shocked many in the basketball community, including fellow coaches like Rick Carlisle and Steve Kerr, who expressed disbelief at the Kings' decision. Nuggets coach Mike Malone, who has his own history with the Kings, criticized the organization for the manner of Brown's firing, emphasizing the lack of class in notifying him over the phone after a tough loss.

While it's common for NBA coaches to face the consequences of their teams' performances, Malone highlighted the need for a more respectful approach to such significant decisions. The Kings' struggles with player performance and close-game scenarios have raised questions about the accountability placed on Brown, especially considering the team's history of turmoil prior to his arrival.