Brendan Malone, the pioneering coach who helmed the Toronto Raptors in their debut season, has passed away at the age of 81. Despite the public notification shared by the Denver Nuggets through their social media channels, the origin of his unfortunate demise remains undisclosed.
Bearing the honor of being the first head coach in the Raptors’ history, Brendan Malone is also known as the father of Mike Malone, the current head coach of the Denver Nuggets. His assignment with the Raptors began in the distinct season of 1995-96, ensuing his juncture with the New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons as an assistant coach.
The Raptors concluded their inaugural season under his leadership, with a result of 21 wins and 61 losses. These included a substantial victory against the Chicago Bulls, eventually crowned as that season’s champions despite an impressive 72-10 record. This landmark game served as a testimony to Malone’s coaching prowess and the potential of the nascent Raptors team.
Transitioning from his first head coaching opportunity with the Raptors, Brendan Malone’s career branched out to include coaching roles with such distinguished NBA teams as the Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic, and Sacramento Kings. His prestigious career highlighted his exceptional talent and commitment to the sport, which contributed to his significant accomplishments.
His prominent achievements in the realm of basketball coaching include leading the Detroit Pistons to win two NBA championships in successive years – 1989 and 1990. His legacy within the sport remains profound and he will be remembered as an influential figure in the landscape of National Basketball Association’s coaching fraternity.
