Knicks Coach Mike Brown’s Communication Style Creates Positive Change

On the surface, the change may appear minor. Many might not even notice it.

But for the players, it makes a significant difference.

When Knicks coach Mike Brown pulls players from a game, he often takes a moment to have a chat with them before they head to the bench. This approach was not common under his predecessor, Tom Thibodeau.

Typically, Thibodeau had players move directly from the court to the bench without much interaction.

“When you’re out of the game, he informs you of what went wrong, and, honestly, it sometimes feels like you haven’t done anything wrong,” Mikal Bridges shared following a recent practice. “Mike handles it wonderfully. Like, during a game, he told me I was being subbed out and when I’d be going back in. It’s about communication. When you’re playing hard, doubts can creep in—wondering if you messed up. Having that verbal back-and-forth builds confidence.”

This communication style is something Brown honed while working as an assistant for Steve Kerr and Gregg Popovich. It’s beneficial for Knicks players, as it keeps them informed about what’s on Brown’s mind.

“They were some of the best communicators I’ve encountered,” Brown reflected. “It’s second nature for them, and they never hold back on sharing information. I try to do the same, but I’m human, so I occasionally forget things or miss the mark. I aim to communicate during practice, shootarounds, and games; players have questions, but sometimes they’re hesitant to ask. I want to clear up any uncertainties.”

This emphasis on open communication is foundational to Brown’s approach of accountability and discipline and clearly contrasts with Thibodeau’s style.

Brown prefers explaining things over yelling, which was often Thibodeau’s method.

In fact, Brown probably smiles more at a press conference than Thibodeau did throughout the entire previous season. “He’s not the shouting type,” Josh Hart noted. “He truly fulfills his coaching duties.”

“He holds players accountable without raising his voice,” Bridges added. “He may come off as tough, but it’s rooted in care. He simply has a conversation about improvement, whether you’re the star player or the rookie. He’s there for everyone.”

Much of Brown’s coaching philosophy is influenced by individuals outside of the sports realm, including Kenneth Chennault, who was among the first black CEOs of a Fortune 500 company.

“His definition of leadership resonates with me,” Brown stated. “It’s straightforward yet profound, emphasizing that leaders must instill hope while also being honest about reality. You have to convey the truth and sometimes, that means raising your voice. Other times, it’s about a simple conversation. But defining reality and fostering togetherness is crucial.”

Brown’s approachable and player-centric demeanor was one of the reasons the Knicks decided to hire him, and it’s certainly being recognized already.

“Every experience is unique,” Karl-Anthony Towns remarked. “But Mike is truly different from any coach I’ve worked with before.”