Mike Brown Excited to See Celtics' Mitchell Robinson But Wants Knicks to 'Kick His Ass' image
Mike Brown Excited to See Celtics' Mitchell Robinson But Wants Knicks to 'Kick His Ass' image
Mike Brown is happy to see Mitchell Robinson get a new opportunity with the Boston Celtics, but the New York Knicks coach has no problem admitting he wants to beat his former player.
Brown discussed Robinson ahead of Friday night's matchup between the Knicks and Celtics, reflecting on their time together while acknowledging the competitive nature of the reunion.
"We wanna kick his ass, like he probably wants to kick ours" Mike Brown on the Knicks facing Mitchell Robinson and the Celtics tomorrow night: https://t.co/WBXhDQuFQu
— SNY Knicks (@sny_knicks) October 22, 2026
"Boston gave him a nice deal, and so you want nothing but the best for him because you know him, and he's a great, great, great freaking dude," Brown said.
Brown made it clear, however, that his appreciation for Robinson won't change his approach when the teams meet.
"But you want to beat him," Brown said. "At the end of the day, we want to kick his ass, like he probably wants to kick ours."
Robinson spent the first eight seasons of his NBA career with New York before joining Boston. Brown also highlighted the personal connection he shares with the center and the experiences they had together last season.
"It's going to be exciting to see him because of the type of person he is and what we all went through together last year," Brown said.
Robinson now joins a Celtics team looking to strengthen its frontcourt with his rebounding and interior defense. Friday's game will give him an early opportunity to face his former teammates, while the Knicks will look to get the better of their new division rival.
Despite the friendly feelings Brown expressed toward Robinson, the coach's comments made one thing clear: He's happy for the center's next chapter, but he'd rather celebrate a Knicks win.
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