Pistons' Brown denies accepting post with NBA rival
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-06-01 09:56

Detroit Pistons coach Larry Brown denied a report that he has accepted the job of president of the National Basketball Association's Cleveland Cavaliers starting next season.

Various newspaper and television reports have linked Brown to the post, citing unnamed sources, but he has steadfastly denied making any deal to depart the reigning NBA champions.

Detroit Pistons head coach Larry Brown reacts on a call during the fourth quarter in game 3 during the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat at the Palace in Auburn Hills, Mich., Sunday, May 29, 2005.[AP]

"I want to coach here. I don't know how many times I have to say that," Brown said after Tuesday's practice. "No one wants to write that. No one wants to write that I want to coach here.

"Why should I think about alternatives? I don't even want to think about alternatives."

Brown is known for making moves, having held 11 posts in a lengthy career that has spanned the NBA and collegiate ranks. Moves are his stock in trade, but Brown insists that he has no firm plans to leave town.

Detroit Pistons head coach Larry Brown reacts on a call during the fourth quarter in game 3 during the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat at the Palace in Auburn Hills, Mich., Sunday, May 29, 2005.[AP]

"Don't just come out and throw things. That's not fair," Brown told reporters. "I'm coaching here. I love this team. I want to be here."

Brown, 64, has health issues to address that might see him leave his coaching role for an executive post but he has said that decision has not been made. he underwent hip surgery in November.

"I've got to be checked up, and hopefully I'll be able to continue coaching," Brown said. "That's it. I have no other agenda at all."

Brown, who served as coach of last year's US Olympic team that returned with the bronze medal, has three years remaining on a five-year contract with the Pistons, who are playing Miami for a berth in the NBA Finals.

"That's the shame of it," Brown said. "We have a great series with two great teams. Let's focus on that."

Brown departed Philadelphia two years ago to coach the Pistons less than a week after Rick Carlisle was fired as coach. Brown is 987-741 as an NBA coach, guiding all seven teams he has mentored into the playoffs.

Brown was NBA Coach of the Year in 2001 when he guided the 76ers to the NBA Finals and won his first title last year when the Pistons stunned the Los Angeles Lakers 4-1 in the final.

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