Sacramento Kings Head Coach Mike Brown finished his first season in Sacramento by ending a 16-year-long playoff drought, finishing with a 48-34 record, and winning NBA Coach of the Year. He was taken down in the playoffs by his former team, the Golden State Warriors, where he used to be an Assistant Coach. Brown has spent time with seven teams, starting as an Assistant Coach for the Washington Wizards in 1997.
Mike Brown’s long NBA journey has allowed him to make many connections and become a respected coach around the league. Can he use these connections to bring in players he has relationships with? Let’s rank these four free agents that Mike Brown has ties with.
An honorable mention is Kyrie Irving, as Mike Brown coached him in Cleveland, but Irving signing with Sacramento is unrealistic.
4. Josh Okogie
Josh Okogie, a current member of the Phoenix Suns, played for the Nigerian National Team while Mike Brown coached them in the 2020 Olympics. Since Brown was Okogie’s coach for a short time, it puts him lower on this list. But they built a relationship in Tokyo, resulting in Brown targeting Okogie now that he is entering free agency.
The 24-year-old forward is a rotational player who values his defense. Okogie averaged 7.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 0.8 steals per game this season. While his offense is not a big part of his game, he is not a liability. He had five outbursts of games scoring over 20 points, proving his jump shot is not as bad as the stats show.
If Josh Okogie can get his three-pointer more consistent, he would be a fantastic piece on this Kings team. His defense can be valuable to any team, especially on this Kings team that could use some defensive wing depth for cheap.
3. Andre Iguodala
Mike Brown built many relationships during his six seasons in Golden State. One of the more prominent relationships is with Andre Iguodala. The 39-year-old, 19-year veteran forward might be on the brink of retirement, but he is just as valuable off the court as he ever has been on.
The four-time champion could be the veteran presence needed in the Sacramento Kings locker room. Iguodala appeared in just eight games this season and played 19 minutes total in the Warriors finals series against the Boston Celtics last season, yet still a big part of their success.
Mike Brown has had some high praise for Iguodala over the years, even while Iguodala is not making an impact on the court (via The Mercury News):
"“Andre Iguodala doesn’t get enough credit. I know he’s not playing but just his voice, his presence, he’s always saying the right thing. It uplifts all of us; it uplifted me.”"
Iguodala, of course, would not crack the rotation for the Kings. But, even if he did play, he is such an experienced player that he always makes the right play. While Iguodala’s retirement is still in the air, if he returned for another year, he might want to reunite with Mike Brown and help a young Kings team by being a locker room and bench leader.
2. Damion Lee
Another relationship Mike Brown built while in Golden State, guard Damion Lee. The current Phoenix Suns player averaged 8.2 points and 3.0 rebounds per game, shooting 44.5% from three and 90.4% from the free throw line. Lee is a great role player who has stepped up big for both the Warriors and Suns.
Damion Lee, entering unrestricted free agency, is unlikely to return to Phoenix with a new coaching staff and would fit in as a King. The 30-year-old is entering his 7th NBA season and won the 2022 NBA championship with the Warriors. It never hurts to have some championship experience on the roster, especially with a player like Lee, who can come in and contribute.
Mike Brown and Damion Lee have shown their connection in interviews and YouTube videos together. They have a common respect for each other, as Mike Brown infamously played Lee 24 minutes in a crucial playoff game in 2022 when he took over as head coach in Steve Kerr’s absence.
Damion Lee has praised Mike Brown, especially during their 2022 playoff run with the Warriors (via LetsGoWarriors):
"“Mike Brown is a great defensive coach. He is open and honest. I think what makes Mike so great… is that he’s so detail-oriented.”"
Damion Lee is an impressive three-point shooter, and his connection with Mike Brown would help fit him into the Kings’ lineup. While his defense is not great, he is familiar with Brown’s scheme and could contribute immediately.
1. Draymond Green
Draymond Green is all Sacramento Kings fans’ favorite player, right? The 33-year-old 4-time champion is on the verge of hitting free agency and leaving the Golden State Warriors, after getting drafted there in 2012. Green and Mike Brown had a strong relationship while Brown was an Assistant Coach for the Warriors, and that could influence Green’s free agency decision. While Green does have a player option, it is not out of the picture for him to decline it and seek a contract elsewhere.
Draymond Green would take the Sacramento Kings to the next level.
While Draymond Green is not a fan-favorite across the NBA, his impact on winning basketball is undeniable. The 4-time All-Star has a 511-247 career record, which is a top 30 career-winning percentage of all-time. This year, in his 11th NBA season, he averaged 8.5 points, 6.8 assists, 7.2 rebounds, 0.8 blocks, and 1.0 steals per game.
Green is mainly known for his defense and playmaking, as he won Defensive Player of the Year in 2017. Without Green, the Warriors would most likely not have the success they do now.
Draymond gave praise to Brown when he took the Sacramento job (via #thisleague UNCUT):
"“I also said that now that the Kings have Mike Brown, I expect them to change…give credit where credit is due. What Mike Brown has gone to Sacramento is absolutely amazing. I expect him to continue taking that franchise upward in the right direction. I give them their props. They’re doing a great job.”"
Draymond Green would have a huge impact on a young Kings team, bringing energy, experience, and defense, as he is overall a player that can do everything. While Green joining the Kings is unlikely, his connection with Mike Brown might help him make his free agency decision.
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