The NBA broadcasting world received bittersweet news today as ESPN announced that legendary color commentator Hubie Brown will call the final game of his career on February 9th, 2025. The 91-year-old Brown, who has been with ESPN since 2004, will sign off for the last time in Milwaukee, the city where his NBA coaching journey began over 50 years ago in 1972.
Brown’s farewell broadcast will feature the Milwaukee Bucks hosting the Philadelphia 76ers, with the game serving as a prelude to that day’s Super Bowl. ESPN revealed that Brown will be joined by play-by-play announcer Mike Breen for this historic event, which the network plans to commemorate by honoring Brown’s unparalleled career throughout the telecast.
A Basketball Life Like No Other
Few individuals have left an imprint on the game of basketball quite like Hubie Brown. His career spans over half a century, during which he has served the NBA in nearly every capacity imaginable.
From the Sidelines to the Booth
Brown’s coaching resume is as impressive as they come. A two-time NBA Coach of the Year, he led the Atlanta Hawks, New York Knicks, and Memphis Grizzlies over the course of his career. His innovative strategies and keen basketball mind earned him a spot in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a contributor in 2005.
But it was in the broadcast booth where Brown truly found his calling. For the past 35 years, he has been a fixture on national NBA telecasts, first on the radio and then as a television analyst for ESPN. His unique blend of basketball insight, storytelling, and catchphrases like “There you go!” have made him a beloved figure among fans and players alike.
Hubie has an incredible passion for the game and a gift for explaining it in a way that resonates with fans. His impact on NBA broadcasting is immeasurable.
– ESPN executive vice president of programming, Stephanie Schilling
A Full-Circle Moment
It’s only fitting that Brown will call his last game in Milwaukee, the city that gave him his first opportunity as an NBA head coach in 1972. Though his stint with the Bucks was brief, lasting only three seasons, it laid the foundation for a coaching and broadcasting journey that would span five decades.
According to sources close to the situation, the Bucks organization is planning to honor Brown during the February 9th game with a special tribute and ceremony. Several of Brown’s former colleagues and players are also expected to be in attendance to celebrate his unparalleled career.
Hubie is a basketball institution. His knowledge, passion, and dedication to the game are unrivaled. It’s an honor to have him call his final game here in Milwaukee where it all began.
– Anonymous Bucks executive
An Enduring Legacy
As Brown prepares to sign off for the final time, his impact on the game of basketball is secure. He leaves behind a legacy of excellence, both on the sidelines and in the broadcast booth, that will be celebrated for generations to come.
ESPN has announced plans for a season-long tribute to Brown, featuring special segments, interviews, and a documentary chronicling his life and career. The network will also establish the Hubie Brown Award, to be given annually to an NBA broadcaster who embodies Brown’s passion, knowledge, and dedication to the game.
Hubie Brown is NBA basketball. His voice, his insight, his love for the game – they’re woven into the fabric of our sport. We can’t thank him enough for all he’s given us.
– NBA commissioner Adam Silver
As fans prepare to bid farewell to a true basketball icon, there’s no doubt that Hubie Brown’s influence will continue to shape the NBA for years to come. His legacy is one of passion, excellence, and an unwavering commitment to the beauty and intricacy of the game. Though we’ll miss his voice on our airwaves, his impact will endure, forever etched in the annals of basketball history.
