Memphis head coach Hubie Brown, who turns 71 on Saturday, has assured GM Jerry West that he's ready to coach the Grizzlies for at least one more season.

Brown continues to insist that he doesn't want to commit to anything more than a one year at a time ... and only after summertime consultations with his family and his doctors.

"I ran into him the other day and he had that light in his eyes," West said. "The one thing I've said to him is, 'I don't want you to ever jeopardize your health.' But he will be back, and he's anxious to go. He's very excited.

"I can't say enough good things about him. He's one of the brightest people I've ever been around. He's made himself an icon (in Memphis). I don't even want to think about him not being there, to be candid with you."