Brown to coach Bobcats

Last update: April 29, 2008 - 1:47 AM

Well-traveled Larry Brown has reached an agreement to return to the NBA as coach of the Charlotte Bobcats, a person familiar with the decision told the Associated Press on Monday.

The person, speaking on condition of anonymity because an official announcement has not been made, said Brown was expected to sign a contract today. The Bobcats have called an afternoon news conference for what was termed a "major basketball announcement."

Brown will replace Sam Vincent, fired Saturday after going 32-50 in his one season. It will be Brown's ninth NBA team and his first coaching job since his messy exit as coach of the New York Knicks in 2006.

The move means Bobcats part-owner Michael Jordan has turned to a fellow former North Carolina player to try to get the fourth-year Bobcats into the playoffs for the first time. Jordan and the 67-year-old Brown both played for former Tar Heels coach Dean Smith.

Etc.

• Orlando forward Hedo Turkoglu was named the NBA's Most Improved Player. Timberwolves forward Al Jefferson was fourth in the balloting.

• New Orleans' Byron Scott has been chosen as NBA coach of the year, the Associated Press has learned. Scott is expected to receive the award today.

ASSOCIATED PRESS