Future Is Up in Air for Brown

During Thursday’s interview session, Philadelphia Coach Larry Brown took the time to address a recent reply in which he was noncommittal about his coaching future.

“I’ve had some health problems, because I’ve gone two years without a break,” said Brown, who took some time off during the regular season. “I was [the Olympic] qualifying coach two years ago, I was Rudy’s [Tomjanovich] assistant at the Olympics this year, I have two young children. I just thought that this was not the time to make a definitive decision one way or another.

“That’s the only way I could answer it. I’d appreciate it if we just can let me get through this year and enjoy the fact that I’m here participating in this event and then we’ll see what happens.”

Before Wednesday night, the last time reserve big man Matt Geiger played more than 12 minutes for the 76ers, he missed 10 of 13 shots and finished with eight points in the regular-season-ending loss to the Chicago Bulls.

But that was more than eight weeks ago. In Game 1, Geiger became the 76ers’ secret weapon, and as the Lakers’ Robert Horry said, “We didn’t even talk about him that much.”

“Coach [Brown] and I sat down [in the Eastern Conference finals] and he said that he may have to use me against the Lakers,” said Geiger, who made five of seven shots and finished with 10 points in 14 minutes.

“I didn’t play a lot last series and it gave me time to rest [a thigh injury]. I got an opportunity and made some shots. I knew they were going to be there because of the way [the Lakers] sag inside with their big guys not coming out.”

Starting guard Aaron McKie suffered a chip fracture in his right ankle Wednesday and wore a protective boot on his leg Thursday, but he plans to be ready for tonight’s game.

Playing hurt is nothing new for McKie, who has been one of the 76ers’ most effective players, even though he has been hurt throughout the playoffs.

“You got to take your hat off to a warrior like that,” Allen Iverson said. “He’s playing so banged up through every season, I mean every series. I mean, he’s just tough. He’s showing why he’s the sixth man of the year.”

Although he hasn’t been at full strength, McKie said it will take a lot more to keep him out.

“I’ve had a long, long playoff series,” McKie said. “I’ve had to chase guys, I’ve gotten posted up. I’ve been dealing with some of the best young talent in the league. You know, starting out with Reggie Miller, Jalen Rose, then it went to Vince Carter, chasing Dell Curry, then went to chasing Ray Allen and getting posted up by Glenn Robinson and chasing Sam Cassell around, putting pressure on him with the ball. Now I’m playing Kobe [Bryant].”