Rick Adelman, 10th-winningest coach in NBA history, dies at age 79
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Rick Adelman, who ranked 10th in NBA history with 1,042 wins, died on Monday. He was 79 years old.
The National Basketball Coaches Association announced his death. The cause of death was not immediately disclosed.
Adelman served as an NBA head coach for 23 seasons, leading the Portland Trail Blazers, Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves. He compiled a regular season record of 1,042-749 and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021.
Prior to coaching, Adelman played seven seasons as an NBA point guard after being drafted by the San Diego Rockets in 1968.
Hall of Fame NBA coach Rick Adelman, who won 1,042 career games in 23 seasons, has died at the age of 79. (Photo: David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) ((Photo: David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images))
After taking over the Trail Blazers for the 1988-89 season, Adelman led a squad led by Clyde Drexler to NBA Finals appearances in 1990 and 1992.
In 1998, Adelman became the head coach of the Sacramento Kings. The Kings reached the playoffs in all eight of his seasons in Sacramento and advanced to the Western Conference Finals in 2002.
Hall of Fame coach Rick Adelman, who changed the modern NBA with his innovative offensive systems, passed away at the age of 79. (Photo: Chris Graythen/Getty Images) ((Photo: Chris Graythen/Getty Images))
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released a statement Monday honoring Adelman’s legacy.
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“Rick Adelman was one of the most respected and successful coaches in NBA history,” Silver said.
“Rick turned to coaching after his NBA playing career, and his leadership, innovation, and genuine love for the game left a lasting impact on generations of players and fellow coaches throughout his nearly 30-year career. He was a great strategist and teacher of the game, and an even better person. I send my deepest condolences to Rick’s family and his many friends around the league.”
Hall of Fame strategist Rick Adelman, revered as a consummate player’s coach, has passed away at the age of 79. (Photo: Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) ((Photo: Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images))
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Adelman is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary Kay, six children (including Nuggets coach David Adelman) and 12 grandchildren.
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