Larry Brown, the former Knicks coach in town with SMU for the NIT, would like to attend Wednesday night’s Knicks-Nets showdown at the Garden — if the hometown team will have him.
Knicks coach Mike Woodson and his staff sat behind the SMU bench to support Brown, a mentor of Woodson’s. Brown said he appreciated the gesture and would like to return the favor.
“I talk to [Woodson] every day. He’s a big part of my life,” said the 73-year-old Brown, who was fired by owner James Dolan after the 2005-06 season, which produced a dismal 23-59 record. “He’s gone through hell and they got it going. Last I looked they’re right there with a chance to make the playoffs, so I’m thrilled for him.”
“I don’t know if they’ll let me in the Garden tomorrow night. But I’ve got [Nets general manager] Billy King, who I love. … I got a night off. I’ll either see Les Mis or the Knicks.”