Kyrie Irving has regrets over time with ex-Cavs coach Mike Brown
OAKLAND – Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving said on Wednesday he regrets some aspects of his time with ex-Cleveland Cavaliers coach Mike Brown who is now the Golden State Warriors’ acting head coach.
“I was a 21-year-old kid, just trying to lead a franchise, and he was a new head coach that I had to get introduced to a new offense, new players, as well as a new system,” Irving said. “So, it was a learning experience, to say the least. …
“I kind of regret being part of that because he was just trying to teach me a lot of things that I didn't necessarily understand as a 21-year-old in the NBA. So, he definitely had some great things and the knowledge of the game that's up there with some great coaches.”
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Brown had two stints with Cavaliers – one from 2005-06 through 2009-10 and a one-season gig in 2013-14, which was Irving’s third season in the league.
According to ESPN, Brown wanted an Irving trade. Cleveland’s front-office was led by general manager Chris Grant, who was fired just before the February trade deadline in 2014. Current Cavs GM David Griffin was promoted to interim GM and was given the job without the tag after the season.
The Cavs fired Brown after the season, too, and Griffin hired David Blatt, who made his name coaching in Europe. Cleveland’s fortunes changed again when LeBron James decided to return to the Cavaliers.
“Maybe I am made up differently,” Brown said. “I'm not looking at this as Cleveland fired me twice, this is the time to get back at them. Or is there any extra incentive? No, I just want to win. I don't care who it is, I just want to be a part of a winning program and be the last team, quote, unquote, standing.”
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