Brett Brown Loves This “Cold, Angry City”

Jan 6, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown during the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Wells Fargo Center. The Timberwolves defeated the Sixers 126-95. Photo | Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Grantland’s NBA writer Zach Lowe has an interview with Sixers coach Brett Brown about his basketball heritage, offensive philosophy, and Philadelphia. Some excerpts:

I grew up in New England, and spent so much time in Boston, I’m acutely aware of the sporting pulse of a city like Philadelphia.

A cold, angry city.

And I love it. I love being back on this side of the country. I like the snow, I like the cold. It’s where I’m from, it’s my upbringing.

I hear you jog all around here — like in the parking lot, or on the streets around the arena?

There’s a park here.

How far do you run?

It’s like a city park, and I go for a little under an hour.

That’s pretty damn good.

I don’t go fast. But I keep my legs moving.

Do people say hello?

Yeah.

Because in Philly, given your record at this point, you might want to take the jogging out of the public arena. [Editor’s note: I was joking.]

Hey, in San Antonio, I used to run all the time, and you know the arena there is not in the best area. Pop used to always say, “You’re running in the wrong places.” But if you pass stray dogs, you always run a little bit quicker. It keeps my head clear. It’s funny — I need to be outside. I can’t do it on a treadmill.

No matter how cold it gets?

No matter how cold, no matter if it’s raining. I need to get out and get some fresh air. It’s a little bit sick, but that’s me.