Few people in basketball history have influenced the game across as many generations as Hubie Brown. So when one of the most beloved voices in NBA broadcasting, signed off for the final time on Sunday, the love and support just flooded from all directions. At 91, the legendary coach-turned-analyst took his seat alongside Mike Breen for the Philadelphia 76ers vs. Milwaukee Bucks matchup, bringing an era to a close.

As Brown did what he always does—breaking down plays with precision and insight—his colleagues and admirers filled the broadcast with tributes to one of the game’s great teachers. Among those showing love was Pau Gasol, who knows firsthand what Brown meant to the game.

The Spanish big man, who started his NBA journey with the Memphis Grizzlies, kept it short but heartfelt. “Love Hubie forever…” he wrote on Instagram. Before this LeBron James termed the 2x NBA Coach of the Year the GOAT writing, “HUBIE BROWN THE 🐐…,” on X.

For those unfamiliar with Brown’s impact in Memphis, let’s take a quick trip back to 2003-04. That was the season he led the Grizzlies to their first-ever playoff appearance, earning Coach of the Year honors in the process. But to measure his influence by just one season would be selling him short.

Think about this: Hubie Brown has been a part of the game for so long that he coached Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Oscar Robertson, and helmed teams against the likes of Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. And then called games featuring Victor Wembanyama. Not many people can say they’ve shaped the sport across that many eras.

That’s why another former Grizzlies standout, Earl Watson, made sure to express his gratitude. “Congrats, Coach Hubie Brown, on your final broadcast today,” he wrote. Then he went deeper, sharing just how much Brown meant to his career. “On behalf of myself & my Memphis Grizzlies teammates (2003–2005), thank you for changing our lives, careers, & basketball imagination. We love you.” 

Brown’s coaching journey, however, didn’t start with the NBA itself. It began way back in 1955 at St. Mary’s Academy before he moved on to Cranford High School in New Jersey. From there, his passion for the game took him to the pros, where he got his first big break as an assistant coach for the Milwaukee Bucks in 1972-73 under Larry Costello.

That experience landed him his first head coaching job in 1974-75 with the Kentucky Colonels in the ABA. Hubie Brown didn’t waste time making his mark—he led the team to a championship that very season. From there, he went on to coach the Atlanta Hawks, New York Knicks, and Memphis Grizzlies, racking up 1,087 games as a head coach. His final record? 528-559 in the regular season and 31-32 in the playoffs—numbers that only scratch the surface of his influence.

Given all that, it’s no surprise that an NBA legend like Bernard King also paid his respects. King, the league’s leading scorer in 1984-85, reflected on his time with Brown during their Knicks days. “I treasured playing for the Knicks… We were coached by one of the greatest in the game, Hubie Brown, who I learned so much from…”

Whether you knew him as a coach, an analyst, or simply that passionate voice breaking down plays on your TV, one thing is certain—basketball wouldn’t be the same without Brown.

Hubie Brown’s final emotional message while calling his last game

Brown admitted he nearly cried watching the tribute video that was played during the opening timeout. But if you know the 2x Coach of the Year, you know he wasn’t about to make the night about himself. While the praise kept coming, he focused on doing what he had always done—breaking down the Sixers and Bucks until the final seconds. At times, he joked about tearing up, but he also made it clear how much the moment meant.

“It was a fantastic ride… We tried to come to every game prepared. We tried to be able to show you the difference between the weak side and the strong side. … So that we never underestimate the IQ of the audience.”

And as the telecast came to an end, he left fans with one final heartfelt message. “I have so many things to be thankful for, but my family and I can never thank everyone enough,” he said. “We just want to send them the love that I’ve seen today right back with a big hug. It was a fantastic ride.”

Brown’s retirement from broadcasting may mark the end of an era, but his voice, wisdom, and impact will echo through the game forever.