New Delhi: Brendan Malone, the highly respected NBA coach and father of Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone, has passed away at the age of 81.Denver Nuggets confirmed Brendan MaloneNews of his death was posted on social media, but the cause of death was not made public.
The Nuggets expressed deep sadness in a statement, saying: “It is with great sadness that we share the passing of long-time NBA coach Brendan Malone, who held a special place with the team and Will always be a part of the Denver Nuggets.”
They also remember the extraordinary legacy Brendan Malone left on the world. basketball But it also highlights his role as a loving husband, father, son and grandfather, emphasizing the profound impact he had on those who were lucky enough to know him.
Brendan Malone was born in New York City and began his coaching career as the head coach at the successful Power Memorial Academy from 1970 to 1976. He subsequently held multiple assistant coaching positions within the college basketball program before becoming the head coach at Rhode Island State, where he compiled a 17-39 record.
In 1986, Malone switched to the NBA and joined the coaching staff of the New York Knicks. This marks the beginning of the league’s 30-year term. Notably, while serving as an assistant coach with the Detroit Pistons from 1988 to 1995, he played a key role in developing a defensive strategy designed to neutralize Michael Jordan. This strategy helped the Pistons eliminate the Chicago Bulls in the playoffs and win NBA championships in 1989 and 1990.
The Nuggets expressed deep sadness in a statement, saying: “It is with great sadness that we share the passing of long-time NBA coach Brendan Malone, who held a special place with the team and Will always be a part of the Denver Nuggets.”
They also remember the extraordinary legacy Brendan Malone left on the world. basketball But it also highlights his role as a loving husband, father, son and grandfather, emphasizing the profound impact he had on those who were lucky enough to know him.
Brendan Malone was born in New York City and began his coaching career as the head coach at the successful Power Memorial Academy from 1970 to 1976. He subsequently held multiple assistant coaching positions within the college basketball program before becoming the head coach at Rhode Island State, where he compiled a 17-39 record.
In 1986, Malone switched to the NBA and joined the coaching staff of the New York Knicks. This marks the beginning of the league’s 30-year term. Notably, while serving as an assistant coach with the Detroit Pistons from 1988 to 1995, he played a key role in developing a defensive strategy designed to neutralize Michael Jordan. This strategy helped the Pistons eliminate the Chicago Bulls in the playoffs and win NBA championships in 1989 and 1990.
During his career, Brendan Malone also served as an assistant coach for teams such as the Indiana Pacers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Orlando Magic. He made history as the Toronto Raptors’ first head coach, although he was relieved of his duties after a 21-61 season.
The Toronto Raptors issued a statement expressing condolences in response to the death of Brendan Malone. They viewed him as an integral part of the inaugural season in 1995-96 and recognized his lasting contribution to the sport.
Brendan Malone’s son and Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone did not attend the team’s preseason game in Phoenix on Tuesday. Assistant coach David Adelman has taken over as acting head coach during his absence.
(Information provided by Reuters)