Rick Adelman, a Hall of Fame NBA coach, passed away on June 1, 2026, at the age of 79. He was one of the few coaches to have won over 1,000 games and led teams to the NBA Finals twice. Over a coaching career spanning 23 seasons, he compiled a record of 1,042 wins and 749 losses, ranking 10th in league history at the time of his death. Despite his numerous playoff appearances, he did not win an NBA championship.
Born Richard Leonard Adelman on June 16, 1946, in Lynwood, California, he was a standout player at Loyola Marymount University before being drafted by the San Diego Rockets. He played in the NBA for seven years before transitioning to coaching, starting at Chemeketa Community College in Oregon. He became head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers in 1988 and led them to the NBA Finals in 1990 and 1992.
Adelman later coached the Sacramento Kings, transforming them into a competitive team that made eight consecutive playoff appearances. His coaching style emphasized player decision-making and fluid offense. He also coached the Houston Rockets and the Minnesota Timberwolves, achieving his 1,000th career win before retiring in 2014. Adelman was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021.
He was known for his ability to communicate effectively with players and foster a positive team environment. Adelman believed in being authentic and approachable as a coach, stating, "I never believed you had to be a hard ass." His legacy includes a significant impact on the teams he coached and the respect he earned from players throughout his career.
