Rick Adelman, a Naismith Hall of Fame coach who led his teams to over 1,000 victories, has died at 79, the National Basketball Coaches Association announced on Monday.
Adelman ranks tenth in NBA history with 1,042 wins as a head coach. His most notable successes came with the Portland Trail Blazers, where he guided the franchise to Western Conference titles and appearances in the NBA Finals in both 1990 and 1992.
Over 23 seasons, Adelman helmed five different NBA teams: the Blazers (1988-94), Golden State Warriors (1995-97), Sacramento Kings (1998-2006), Houston Rockets (2007-11), and Minnesota Timberwolves (2011-14).
His impressive coaching record stood at 1,042 wins against 749 losses, a winning percentage of .582. His teams reached the playoffs 16 times, compiling a postseason record of 79-78.
His enduring impact on the sport was recognized with his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021, and he received the NBCA’s Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023.
The National Basketball Coaches Association paid tribute to Adelman, stating: “Adelman will be remembered not only as a coach and a player, but also as a mentor to so many in the basketball community. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Adelman family during this difficult time.”
Adelman also played for five teams across seven NBA seasons (1968-1975), with his longest stint in Portland (1970-73). His son, David Adelman, one of his six children, is currently the head coach of the Denver Nuggets.
The Portland Trail Blazers organization also released a statement, expressing profound sorrow: “The Portland Trail Blazers organization is deeply saddened by the passing of Rick Adelman, a franchise legend and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer.
“Rick was one of the most influential figures in franchise history, a member of the inaugural 1970 team and integral coach throughout the 80s and 90s, guiding the team to Finals appearances in 1990 and 1992.
“Rick’s basketball brilliance helped shape multiple eras of Trail Blazers basketball, earning the respect and admiration of the basketball community and cementing his legacy.
“His thoughtful leadership, integrity, and kindness impacted all those around him on and off the court. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the entire Adelman family, and all those in the world of basketball who were touched by his impact.”
A cause of death was not immediately released.
