“Rick Adelman was one of the most respected and accomplished coaches in the history of the NBA,” said Commissioner Adam Silver. “Following his NBA career as a player, Rick turned to coaching, where his leadership, innovation, and genuine love for basketball left a lasting impression on generations of players and fellow coaches. He was a brilliant strategist, a teacher of the game, and an even better person. I send my deepest condolences to Rick’s family and friends throughout the league.”
Adelman played seven seasons in the NBA, averaging 7.7 points and 3.5 assists per game. He transitioned into coaching with the San Diego Rockets in 1968 and later became an assistant with the Portland Trail Blazers, eventually earning his first head coaching job in 1988.
As head coach of Portland, Adelman led the team to two NBA Finals appearances—in 1990 and 1992—losing to the Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls, respectively. He later coached the Golden State Warriors, but it was his tenure with the Sacramento Kings that cemented his legacy. Over eight seasons, Adelman guided the Kings to the playoffs every year, including a Western Conference finals appearance, marking the franchise’s most sustained period of success in California.
Adelman also coached the Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves, retiring in 2014 with a 1,042-749 record, ranking 10th all-time in NBA coaching wins. He was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021 and received the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Kay, and six children, including David Adelman, who is currently the head coach of the Denver Nuggets.
Teams and former players have paid tribute, highlighting Adelman’s humility, integrity, and devotion to teamwork. The Sacramento Kings said in a statement, “Coach Adelman represented the very best of Sacramento basketball and will be remembered for inspiring those around him with kindness and an unwavering belief in teamwork.”
