By Frank Isola
New York Daily News
NEW YORK - Larry Brown dropped Isiah Thomas off at East Hampton Airport at 10:30 on Thursday night, following a four-hour meeting the Hall of Fame coach described as productive.
Brown declined to say if the Knicks had made him a formal offer during the meeting at his Long Island summer home, but he sounded encouraged after his initial face-to-face with the Knicks president that touched on a variety of subjects.
According to sources, the Knicks remain optimistic that they can convince Brown to become their next coach and are prepared to offer him a five-year contract worth between $50 million and $60 million. Brown admitted publicly for the first time on Thursday that he is interested but he reiterated that he hasn’t decided whether he wants to coach next season.
If I'm speaking to them I obviously have an interest,'' Brown said. But my concern is what is best for my family and if I can do it mentally.
In the past everybody said I'd go nuts if I sat out but I've never had that opportunity. But now it might be leaning the other way. I love coaching and teaching. I'm blessed that I've been able to do it. Basketball is a huge part of my life. But I also have a lot of friends saying, 'Hey, you need to back away.' '' Brown, who was running a clinic for school-age children, told a small group of reporters that he will try to give the Knicks an answer as soon as possible. I don’t want to string this thing out for Herb (Williams) and their organization,’’ Brown said, referring to the Knicks’ interim coach, who will be offered the job if Brown turns it down. But the biggest thing is I've got to get it straight with my family and what I'm going to do. That's the main thing right now.'' It is not known if the Knicks have set up a second meeting with Brown. Coincidentally, Brown and Thomas are scheduled to appear at a clinic next Saturday in Southampton for the Hoops 4 Hope charity. Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers is also listed as one of the counselors. As Brown was conducting a series of basketball drills nearby on Thursday for local campers, Thomas arrived via helicopter at approximately 6 p.m., where he was met by Brown's wife, Shelly. Thirty minutes later, Thomas embraced Brown before the two began their informal interview. I know Isiah, I’ve known him since 1980,’’ Brown said. He's a special person who means a lot to me. That franchise . . . I grew up a Knick fan and I know how important the Knicks are to the NBA, and the success of the New York franchise is paramount. I haven't looked at their roster or thought of anything. I just found out a couple of days ago I wasn't going to be coaching in Detroit. So, I'm trying to get some things worked out with my family first.'' Brown and the Pistons reached a buyout agreement on Tuesday. Under the terms of the settlement, Brown received approximately $5 million as well as his freedom to pursue any job. Thus far, only the Knicks have contacted Brown. If Brown waits a while, a dozen or so NBA and college teams could come after him. A sabbatical - either six months or a full season - is an option that Brown is seriously considering. His wife and several close friends have advised him to take a year off and rest. Since 1999, Brown has coached in three NBA Finals, two Olympic qualifying tournaments and two Olympics. Those things factor into it,’’ Brown said. I want to get a consensus from my family. You better ask my wife. I've said I wanted to coach and get healthy and I don't think either one of those things have changed.'' Brown, 64, had hip replacement surgery last November and later developed a bladder problem. He missed 17 games last season and may not be healthy enough to coach all 82 in 2005-06. But Brown, who professed his love for teaching, sounded almost defiant when asked how he is feeling. Look, I was all right,’’ Brown said. I coached in the heat. Tell everybody in Michigan that.'' Brown declined to respond to comments made by Pistons owner Bill Davidson, who said he was peeved’’ over Brown’s decision to negotiate with Cleveland two months ago about becoming the Cavs president. He later said that Brown wasn’t a good person.'' No one can take away from me the tremendous experience that I had,’’ said Brown, who was replaced in Detroit by Flip Saunders. It's a great opportunity for Flip.'' The Pistons are a team built to win now, while Thomas is trying to rebuild the Knicks. He has a cast of unproven young players and more than enough aging veterans with bloated contracts. People close to Brown say that he has some reservations about the Knicks roster, which includes Stephon Marbury, who clashed with Brown at last summer's Olympics. When asked if he was concerned with the makeup of the team he would inherit, Brown replied: The only thing that is important is that my family is OK with what we do. I don’t ever worry about who is on the roster. I’m concerned about with how I do my job, that I don’t want to short-change anybody and that I do the very best I can.’’