Hubie Brown ends historic NBA career at 91, calls it a ‘fantastic ride’

Hubie Brown, a beloved figure in the basketball community, received heartfelt tributes as he stepped away from the game after over 50 years of contributions. The 91-year-old coach and long-time broadcaster called his final game on Sunday, as the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 135-127. To mark the occasion, Brown was presented with the game ball following the final buzzer, capping off a remarkable career.

A fond farewell to Hubie Brown

During the telecast, Brown shared his gratitude, saying,

I have so many things to be thankful for, but my family and I can never thank everyone enough. We just want to send them the love that I’ve seen today right back with a big hug. It was a fantastic ride.

His words were emotional, reflecting on his immense journey in the world of professional basketball.

As a testament to his impact, players from both the Bucks and 76ers approached Brown before the game to shake his hand. A touching moment occurred during the opening timeout when the crowd at Fiserv Forum gave him a standing ovation, while a tribute video aired on the scoreboard. Brown, visibly moved, blew kisses to the audience and mouthed 'Thank you.' He later admitted that the video nearly brought him to tears.

Full-circle moment in Milwaukee for Hubie Brown

It seemed only fitting that Brown’s final game as a broadcaster took place in Milwaukee, a city that played a key role in his career. His first coaching job in the NBA was as an assistant with the Bucks under head coach Larry Costello.

Reflecting on those early years, Brown said,

When I came here to the Milwaukee Bucks and Larry Costello, I received a master’s degree and a doctorate’s degree in basketball in two years.

Those formative years set the stage for a groundbreaking career.

Hubie Brown: a storied career across coaching and broadcasting

Brown’s basketball career spans multiple decades and roles, beginning with coaching in the ABA with the Kentucky Colonels (1974-76) and extending through NBA teams like the Atlanta Hawks (1976-81), New York Knicks (1982-87), and Memphis Grizzlies (2002-05). In 1975, he led the Colonels to an ABA title, and he was named NBA Coach of the Year twice—in 1978 and 2004.

In addition to his coaching achievements, Brown spent 35 years as a national TV and radio analyst, covering 18 NBA Finals. His broadcasting legacy was cemented in 2005 when he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Following the game, Bucks guard Damian Lillard praised Brown’s lifelong dedication to the game, noting,

It’s the people who love on the game and love the league... people like Hubie Brown... that has allowed it to become what it is, what makes it special.

Mike Breen, the play-by-play announcer for the game, also expressed deep admiration, calling it the 'ultimate honor' to work with Brown. Brown went on to speak for fellow broadcasters, saying,

you’ve been like a father to many of us, our NBA father. Brown, visibly emotional, responded, Could we pause, as I have a tear here.