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 demise on social media Tuesday however didn’t state a trigger.
“It’s with large unhappiness that we share the passing of longtime NBA coach Brendan Malone, who holds a particular place amongst the group and might be a Denver Nugget perpetually,” the workforce wrote.
The Nuggets added Malone “left behind a fantastic legacy on the earth of basketball, however he might be remembered much more for the superb husband, father, son and grandfather that he was and the profound impression he had on the buddies, household and colleagues who have been fortunate sufficient to know him.”
A New York Metropolis native, Malone labored his means from the pinnacle coach of prep powerhouse Energy Memorial Academy (1970-76) to a trio of faculty 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 eradicate 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 growth Toronto Raptors, fired after one season and a 21-61 report.
“The Toronto Raptors group is saddened by the passing of Brendan Malone, who served as our head coach throughout the workforce’s inaugural season in 1995-96, profitable a particular place in our historical past and our hearts,” the Raptors stated in a press release. “His contributions to the sport will perpetually be remembered, and we provide our condolences to his household, associates and colleagues.”
Michael Malone is just not with the Nuggets for Tuesday’s preseason sport in Phoenix. Assistant coach David Adelman is serving because the performing head coach.