Spurs' De'Aaron Fox Had a Lot to Say About Knicks Coach Mike Brown
San Antonio Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox discussed the incredible coaching style of New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown.
There were many storylines leading into the NBA Finals showdown between the Spurs and the Knicks. One of the biggest narratives is the clash between Fox and Brown, who were both former members of the Sacramento Kings.
During his Finals media availability on Tuesday, Fox opened up about how Brown changed the culture for the Kings as its head coach.
"How open he is… When he came in, he said, ‘I want the entire organization to be aligned, from ownership to the front office, coaching staff, players, and medical staff," Fox said.
De'Aaron Fox on his biggest takeaway from playing for Mike Brown
— Jake Gadon (@JakeGadon_TV) June 3, 2026
"How open he is... When he came in, he said, 'I want the entire organization to be aligned, from ownership to the front office, coaching staff, players, and medical staff.' Whenever you have that from a… https://t.co/aCZD5lFba9pic.twitter.com/HmrfuVc8FJ
Fox and Brown had success in their tenure in Sacramento, as they ended the franchise's 16-year playoff drought in the 2022-23 season.
Unfortunately, that run ended in the first round after they faced the Golden State Warriors and were eliminated in seven games.
The former No. 5 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft was also selected to his first All-Star Game that same season under the tutelage of Brown.
Brown's teachings and winning culture have stuck with Fox, and up to this point in his career, he still admires this approach from the two-time NBA Coach of the Year winner.
"Whenever you have that from a foundational standpoint, you give yourself a chance year in and year out," Fox said.
Fast-forward to today, they are now on different sides of the fence after parting ways with the Kings three seasons ago.
Fox has been the veteran presence around the young Spurs team, and Brown is the main tactician for the Eastern Conference powerhouse Knicks.
Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals will commence on Thursday at the Frost Bank Center, with tipoff scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET.
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This story was originally published June 3, 2026 at 4:55 PM.