Brendan Malone, a longtime NBA coach and the daddy of Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone, died at age 81.
The Nuggets introduced the elder Malone’s dying on social media Tuesday however didn’t state a trigger.
“It is with tremendous sadness that we share the passing of longtime NBA coach Brendan Malone, who holds a special place amongst the organization and will be a Denver Nugget forever,” the workforce wrote.
The Nuggets added Malone “left behind a great legacy in the world of basketball, but he will be remembered even more for the amazing husband, father, son and grandfather that he was and the profound impact he had on the friends, family and colleagues who were lucky enough to know him.”
A New York City native, Malone labored his means from the top coach of prep powerhouse Power Memorial Academy (1970-76) to a trio of school assistant teaching jobs till he was named head coach at Rhode Island, the place he posted a 17-39 report.
After two seasons, he joined the teaching employees of the New York Knicks in 1986, embarking on a 30-year profession within the NBA.
As an assistant coach with the Detroit Pistons from 1988-95, he created a protection designed to neutralize Michael Jordan, serving to the Pistons get rid of the Chicago Bulls within the playoffs and win NBA titles in 1989 and 1990.
His assistant teaching stops additionally included Indiana, Cleveland and Orlando.
Malone served as the primary head coach of the enlargement Toronto Raptors, fired after one season and a 21-61 report.
“The Toronto Raptors organization is saddened by the passing of Brendan Malone, who served as our head coach during the team’s inaugural season in 1995-96, winning a special place in our history and our hearts,” the Raptors mentioned in an announcement. “His contributions to the game will forever be remembered, and we offer our condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.”
Michael Malone shouldn’t be with the Nuggets for Tuesday’s preseason recreation in Phoenix. Assistant coach David Adelman is serving because the appearing head coach.
