Thursday, June 7 Brown rumors come as surprise to Croce Associated Press LOS ANGELES -- Larry Brown's first victory in the NBA Finals was tarnished by rumors he's leaving the Philadelphia 76ers after this season. Brown would not comment on the matter, but Sixers owner Pat Croce said he was "shocked" to hear about the report on NBC's pregame show. NBC reported Brown plans to take time off at the end of the season and might retire. "I know nothing about it," Croce said after Philadelphia beat the Los Angeles Lakers 107-101 on Wednesday night to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. "I'm going to talk to him about it right now. I hope he comes back. I hope he just needs to recharge his batteries, take a couple months off in Malibu and come back." Sixers general manager Billy King said he expects Brown to return for his fifth season with the team next year. Brown, who signed a three-year extension in March, 2000, won Coach of the Year honors for the first time in 18 seasons in the NBA. He led the Sixers to a franchise-best 10-0 start, a franchise-record 13 straight road victories and to the finals for the first time in 18 years. On the way, Brown mended his contentious relationship with star guard Allen Iverson and the two are united in trying to win a championship. Brown nearly left the Sixers last summer to coach at North Carolina, his alma mater. But he chose to stay in Philadelphia and guided the Sixers to the playoffs for the third straight year after an eight-year absence. Send this story to a friend | Most sent stories