5. Larry Brown
Honors: 1x NBA Champion, 1x Coach of the Year (2000-01)
Record: Regular Season: 1098-904 (0.548), Playoffs: 100-93 (0.518)
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Larry Brown was Mr. Fix it in the NBA for a long time, known for turning losers into winners. One instance that sticks out is his tenure with the Clippers. The Clippers had made the playoffs only 3 times in their first 21 seasons, Brown coached them for 2 of those years and made the playoffs on both occasions.
He reached 3 NBA Finals in his career, once with Philly and twice with Detroit. Brown professed a team-oriented approach and made adjustments based on the players in the teams he took over. All three of his NBA finals appearances though were based on solid defenses, especially the title-winning Pistons. The 2004 Pistons dominated teams, at one point holding teams under 70 points for 5 successive games, an NBA record.
Brown had his flaws, however. He often called out players in the media and clashed with the point guards in his team.
Brown could have ranked higher on this list if he didn't keep switching teams. He would often build teams up from the ashes and then leave, unable to capitalize and win more titles. This showed up, especially in Detroit. With a chance at potentially building a dynasty, Brown instead flirted with the prospect of joining other teams. He would part ways with the Pistons in 2005 only to join the Knicks who missed the playoffs a season before.
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