Brown started coaching in the 1950s when the game was played dramatically differently. He stayed up to date with the style of the time, avoiding stale tropes about how the game used to be played.

“I don’t ever remember him saying, ‘Back in the sixties, they did this better,’ ” Breen said. “All he did was appreciate the work and the commitment of the current players and the current coaches. He knew how hard it was to succeed in the league, no matter what type of style was the current style. He knew how difficult it was to be the best in the world, playing against the best in the world and trying to win. He never took that for granted.

“And he never ever thought one way was better than another way. And again, that’s just because of his love (of) the game – the competition, the strategy, the individual talent and thinking the game. It was all just part of what made it so great.”

Announcing crews meet with the head coaches before tip to discuss game plans. The information gathered helps them provide insight during the broadcast. Breen cherishes those meetings.

“It was one of the great parts of the job because you’d go into some of these meetings and you could tell the coach might be a little intimidated and nervous because he’s got to talk basketball with Hubie Brown,” Breen said. “And Hubie was very direct. He had his specific questions, and the coaches could tell by the questions, ‘Oh my goodness, he knows my team as well as I do.’ It was fascinating to see the respect that they had for him and the players, too.”

Breen recalled doing a game last season between New York and San Antonio. It had been a while since Brown had called a Spurs game.

“Gregg Popovich comes into the room, and they hadn’t seen each other in several years, and the two of them embraced,” Breen said. “We’ve got tears in our eyes, these two men – giants of the game – having this beautiful, warm embrace that lasted a good long time. It was something I’ll never forget. I still get choked up when I think about it.”

Popovich had a stroke in November. Last year, Brown’s wife, Claire, and son, Brendan, died. At 91, time is measured with a discerning eye on mortality.

“Hubie Brown means everything to basketball – and he’s meant everything to those of us who have had the privilege to call him a colleague and a friend. Being in the presence of basketball greatness can be intimidating, but because of Hubie’s love for the game and his willingness to share it with anyone who wants to learn, working with him has been one of the highlights of my career. Hubie IS hoops. I can’t think of one without the other.” – ESPN reporter Lisa Salters