In the week leading up to the World Legends Sports Conference in Las Vegas we’ll be featuring the NBA Legends who will be participating in our first NBRPA Broadcast Bootcamp.
Today’s featured NBA Legend is Mike Brown, who spent eleven seasons in the NBA as a member of the Chicago Bulls, the Utah Jazz, the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Philadelphia 76ers, and the Phoenix Suns. After venturing into coaching following his time in the NBA, Mike is now looking towards a career in sports broadcasting – check out our exclusive interview with him below as his discusses his past and future endeavors!
What was your time in the NBA like? If you could describe it in one word, what would that be?
UNBELIEVABLE.
What do you feel is your greatest NBA accomplishment?
Fulfilling my dream of making an NBA team and buying my mother a house.
What’s the most memorable experience you’ve had during your time in the NBA?
I’ve been very fortunate to have played with some of the greatest players of all time. MJ & Scottie at the start of my career, Malone & Stockton the majority of my career – all 50 greatest, gold medalists and hall of famers. Finished my career with Jason Kidd & Steve Nash, future hall of famers. That’s a memory.
Why do you want to get into the field of broadcasting? Any prior experience before learning about us?
I enjoy talking. I hosted my first radio show 1985 in Milan, Italy and fell in love with the mic.
Did you always anticipate a career in sports broadcasting following your retirement from the NBA, or was there something else you thought to do?
Coaching was the field after retirement; I enjoy teaching. Over the past 2 years of producing my sports radio show, Brown Bear Sports Extravaganza, I realized people enjoyed hearing me speak.
What do you think will make you unique in the field? Think Charles Barkley – or other analysts who have a signature style…
My professional background – I’ve played in the NBA and overseas and I’ve coached in the NBA and the D-League, so I’m able to relate to every situation that the players are experiencing. That enables me to give great insight to the audience.
If you could work with any broadcaster/reporter, who would it be?
Howard Cosell.
If you had a chance to create your own show (or currently have one) would the title be and what would you focus on?
Driven. I would go around meeting pro athletes and talk about their passion for classic cars, letting the fans see a side of them away from the playing field. No pimped out rides, just old cars that meant something to them (i.e., Grandfather’s truck, Dad’s car or their 1st car).
Our next Sports Broadcast Bootcamp for NBA Legends will be held in Atlanta this coming September. In the meantime, Sports Broadcast Intensives – featuring some of the best experts in the industry – are offered for every athlete at almost any point in their career. For more information, email our Sports SVP Bram Weinstein at bram@reelmediagroup.tv.