Pat Delany is an Assistant Coach for the Toronto Raptors as of July 2023, where he will begin as the Head Coach of the basketball team at the 2023 Summer League in Las Vegas.
Indeed, in the dynamic world of basketball coaching, individuals like Pat Delany are the unsung heroes who play a crucial role in shaping teams and guiding players toward success.
With a diverse background and extensive experience in the NBA, Delany has emerged as a respected figure in the coaching realm.
In this article, we delve into Delany's journey, his coaching accomplishments, and the impact he has made on the teams he has worked with.
But before we get into his role as a basketball coach, let's comment briefly on Pat Delany, the player.
Standing at 6 foot 2 inches and weighing 185 pounds, Delany played for the Saint Anselm Hawks, a NCAA basketball team that is classified as NCAA Division II. Over his unillustrious college career, Delany played 118 games, starting in 58 of them. He averaged 3.7 points per game and had a shooting percentage of 41.5%. Delany also recorded 160 assists.
Trust us, his coaching career is much, much better than his playing career.
A Versatile Coaching Career
Pat Delany's coaching career began in the early 2000s, and since then, he has held various coaching positions with multiple NBA teams. He has served as both an assistant coach and head coach, showcasing his adaptability and versatility in different coaching roles. Delany has worked with esteemed organizations such as the Orlando Magic, Charlotte Hornets, Miami Heat, Washington Wizards, and most recently, the Toronto Raptors.
Expertise and Contributions
Throughout his coaching journey, Delany has developed a diverse skill set and accumulated a wealth of knowledge in different aspects of coaching. His proficiency extends to areas such as video coordination, scouting, and player development. These skills have allowed him to make substantial contributions to the growth and success of the teams he has been a part of.
Here is the list of Pat Delany's experience in chronological order, from oldest to newest:
Video Intern of the Boston Celtics (2001-2002)
Delany began his coaching career as a video intern with the Boston Celtics during the 2001-2002 season.
Video Intern of the Miami Heat (2002-2003)
Following his time with the Celtics, Delany joined the Miami Heat as a video intern for the 2002-2003 season.
Video Coordinator of the Miami Heat (2003-2004 to 2006-2007)
Delany was promoted to the position of Video Coordinator with the Miami Heat, where he served from the 2003-2004 season to the 2006-2007 season.
Advance Scout of the Miami Heat (2007-2008 to 2012-2013)
Delany transitioned to the role of Advance Scout for the Miami Heat, where he provided valuable scouting insights from the 2007-2008 season to the 2012-2013 season.
In basketball, an advance scout gathers detailed information about an upcoming opponent, including play calls, rotations, and player tendencies. They provide a comprehensive report to the coaching staff, who use it to prepare the team for the game. This scouting process helps teams gain an advantage by understanding their opponent's strategies and tendencies.
Head Coach of the Sioux Falls Skyforce (2013-2014)
Delany was named the head coach of the Sioux Falls Skyforce, the G-League affiliate of the Miami Heat, for the 2013-2014 season.
In his inaugural season with the Sioux Falls Skyforce, Pat Delany showcased his coaching prowess and led the team to an impressive 31-19 record, earning them home-court advantage in the first round of the postseason. His exceptional coaching abilities were recognized, making him one of the top coaches in the D-League that season.
Coach Pat Delany's exceptional leadership and coaching prowess with the Sioux Falls Skyforce basketball team made him a deserving candidate for the NBA D-League's "Coach of the Year" award in his lone year as head cach. With an impressive 31-19 record, the Skyforce are among the top playoff contenders, tied with two other teams for the second-best record in the league.
Their outstanding 19-6 home record set them apart, earning them the best home-court advantage in the NBADL. The team finished the season on a six-game winning streak, securing home-court advantage for the first round of the playoffs. Coach Delany's experience with NBA superstars and his ability to motivate players has been instrumental in the team's success. Coach Delany fostered a cohesive team focused on achieving success together.
Assistant Coach of the Charlotte Hornets (2014 to April 13, 2018)
On July 9, 2014, then General Manager Rich Cho of the Charlotte Hornets made an official announcement that Pat Delany had joined the team's coaching staff as an assistant coach under the leadership of Head Coach Steve Clifford.
Delany accepted an offer to join the Charlotte Hornets as an assistant coach as this was a promotion from being a G-League head coach.
Delany remained in the role of Assistant Coach until his departure on April 13, 2018.
Assistant Coach of the Orlando Magic (June 26, 2018 to 2021)
Delany joined the Orlando Magic as an assistant coach on June 26, 2018, and remained in that role until 2021.
In the summer, Delany would serve as the head coach of their Summer League teams.
Assistant Coach of the Washington Wizards (August 10, 2021 to 2023)
Delany joined the Washington Wizards as an assistant coach on August 10, 2021, and remained in that role until 2023.
Delany's coaching impact was also felt during his time with the Washington Wizards. Described as a defensive-minded coach by head coach Wes Unseld Jr., Delany played a pivotal role in player development, particularly with forward Deni Avdija. Delany's focus on defense and film study sessions helped Avdija make strides in his game, while their mentorship extended beyond basketball, fostering a strong relationship between the two.
Assistant Coach of the Toronto Raptors (starting now)
In 2023 he was hired as an assistant coach as a part of new head coach Darko Rajaković coaching staff with the Toronto Raptors.
On July 4, 2023, the Toronto Raptors issued a press release stating that Pat Delany would serve as the Raptors head coach at the NBA Summer League 2023 in Las Vegas.
Head Coaching Consideration and Future Endeavors
Delany's coaching prowess has not gone unnoticed. He was interviewed for the head coaching position with the New York Knicks, as reported by ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. Although the Knicks ultimately chose another candidate, the consideration itself is a testament to Delany's reputation and the impact he has made within the coaching community.
Delany was also linked with the Indiana Pacers Head Coaching vacancy in 2020.
As Delany continues to excel in his coaching career, it will be intriguing to witness the future endeavors and contributions he brings to the Toronto Raptors and the NBA as a whole. With his versatile skill set, commitment to player development, and proven coaching ability, Delany remains a strong candidate for future head coaching opportunities.
The Future for Pat Delany
Pat Delany has carved a notable path in the world of basketball coaching, making significant contributions to the Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, and Washington Wizards. From his early days as a basketball video intern with the Boston Celtics to his current roles as an assistant coach and Summer League head coach with the Toronto Raptors, Delany's commitment to player development, defensive expertise, and diverse skill set has set him apart from others in the league.
Right now Pat Delany is not the head coach of an NBA basketball team during the regular season. But if the Toronto Raptors have success this season, you can expect to see the name Pat Delany emerge as a top candidate for any NBA head coach opening that comes about.