Brendan Malone, a veteran NBA coach and the father of Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone, has sadly passed away at the age of 81. The cause of his death was not mentioned in the initial announcement.

The Denver Nuggets officially shared the news of Brendan Malone’s passing on their social media accounts, paying tribute to his significant contributions to the world of basketball and his personal qualities.

Brendan Malone’s career in basketball took him on a journey from being the head coach of Power Memorial Academy to several college assistant coaching positions. He eventually became the head coach at Rhode Island, where he had a coaching record of 17-39. His career took a significant turn when he joined the coaching staff of the New York Knicks in 1986, launching a three-decade-long career in the NBA. Enhance your basketball viewing experience with attractive betting odds from Nextbet, one of the best basketball gambling sites.

During his tenure as an assistant coach with the Detroit Pistons from 1988 to 1995, Brendan Malone was known for devising a defensive strategy aimed at neutralizing Michael Jordan. This strategy helped the Pistons eliminate the Chicago Bulls in the playoffs and secure NBA titles in 1989 and 1990.

Malone’s coaching journey also included stints with teams like Indiana, Cleveland, and Orlando. He notably served as the first head coach of the expansion team, the Toronto Raptors. However, his tenure with the Raptors was short-lived, as he was let go after one season with a record of 21-61.

The Toronto Raptors organization expressed their condolences at Malone’s passing, acknowledging his role as their inaugural head coach in the 1995-96 season and the special place he holds in their history.

Brendan Malone’s impact on the game of basketball and his influence on colleagues and players will be remembered by the basketball community. His legacy as a coach is celebrated, but his role as a cherished family member and friend will be treasured by those who knew him.

Michael Malone, who currently serves as the head coach of the Denver Nuggets, is taking time away from the team due to this loss. Assistant coach David Adelman has taken on the role of acting head coach during this period. Get the latest updates from the world of basketball only on Nextbet Sports.