Mohegan — The WNBA celebrates "dads and daughters" day annually, an occasion to do as it suggests, to honor the bonds created through basketball.

But this?

This is a dad and daughter production that beats all.

Dee Brown, the former Celtic, the former first-round draft choice, was back in New England Friday with daughter Lexie, the first-round draft choice of the Connecticut Sun.

The Connecticut Sun, the erstwhile Orlando Miracle, which Dee Brown used to coach back in the days of Shannon "Pee Wee" Johnson and Nykesha Sales.

Talk about an episode of "This Is Your Life."

"For Lexie to be drafted here, we have family in this area and a great support system, you couldn't ask for a better situation," Dee Brown said. "They're a family environment here (with the Sun), too. For all this to happen, me drafted by the Celtics 28 years ago and to hear Red Auerbach call my name ... It's a very touching moment for my family."

Dee Brown, who would win the Dunk Competition during his eight years with the Celtics, works with the Los Angeles Clippers. He called Lexie, who graduated from Duke with a Master's degree, "a WNBA baby."

Lexie Brown was born in Boston during her dad's days in green. Her mother is a graduate of American International College in Springfield. The Browns may be more New England than many of the fans watching the games this season at Mohegan Sun Arena.

"It's incredible," Lexie Brown said Friday at the Sun's practice facility. "No way when I was younger did I think ever be in this position. For (her dad) to have so much to do with where I am now is a blessing."

Dee Brown acknowledged his daughter has to learn things all over again, a rookie in a professional franchise. But her upbringing, with a dad in the NBA and her mom a college player, gives her quite the background.

"DNA has something to do with it," Dee Brown said, "but a lot of blood, sweat and tears, too."

Dee Brown cracked that his daughter's basketball ability wasn't so impressive in her early years. He even suggested she take up tennis. Which she did. Yet now she's a first-round pick in the oldest-running women's professional sports league of them all.

With a dad who knows the details of professional living.

"This is the first time she'll have a lot of free time," Dee Brown said. "I tell that to my NBA guys. Time management is important. Nobody is going to baby sit you. A pro means being the best at your job. Nutrition, getting proper rest, understanding the game. She's going to be learning. Big eyes and big ears. There's going to be frustration. She's not going to be the best player on the court anymore."

Brown will make her debut on May 7 when the Sun play the Los Angeles Sparks in a preseason game at Mohegan Sun Arena. They open the regular season May 20 at home against Bill Laimbeer and the Las Vegas Aces.

m.dimauro@theday.com