Who was Rick Adelman? Hall of Famer and longtime NBA coach dies at 79 after legendary career

Rick Adelman, a Hall of Fame inductee who built a remarkable legacy as both an NBA player and coach, has died at the age of 79. The National Basketball Coaches Association (NBCA) announced his passing on Monday. Adelman was also the father of Denver Nuggets head coach David Adelman. No cause of death was immediately disclosed.

"Adelman will be remembered not only as a coach and a player, but also as a mentor to so many in the basketball community," the coaches' association said in a statement.

"Rick Adelman was one of the most respected and accomplished coaches in NBA history," commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement.


"Following his NBA career, Rick turned to coaching, where his leadership, innovation, and genuine love for basketball left a lasting impression on generations of players and fellow coaches during his nearly 30-year run. He was a brilliant strategist and teacher of the game, and an even better person.

"I send my deepest condolences to Rick's family and many friends throughout the league."


Although Adelman spent seven seasons in the NBA as a point guard from 1969 to 1975, playing for five different franchises, he became best known for his accomplishments on the sidelines. Over a coaching career that spanned nearly three decades, he won 1,042 regular-season games, ranking among the winningest coaches in NBA history. Only a handful of coaches, including Pat Riley, Gregg Popovich, Jerry Sloan, and George Karl, finished with both more victories and a higher winning percentage.


Adelman first rose to prominence with the Portland Trail Blazers. After joining the organization as an assistant coach, he was named interim head coach during the 1988-89 season and earned the full-time role the following year. Led by stars such as Clyde Drexler, Terry Porter, Jerome Kersey, and Buck Williams, Portland reached the NBA Finals in 1990 and returned in 1992, though the team fell short of winning a championship on both occasions.


Following stints with the Golden State Warriors and later the Sacramento Kings, Adelman cemented his reputation as one of the league’s most respected coaches. His Kings teams, featuring players such as Chris Webber, Vlade Divac, Peja Stojakovic, Mike Bibby, and Jason Williams, became one of the NBA’s most entertaining and successful squads. Adelman later coached the Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves before retiring.

The Sacramento Kings paid tribute by praising Adelman’s humility, integrity, kindness, and belief in teamwork. Across his coaching career, 210 players appeared in at least one NBA game under his guidance, leaving behind a lasting impact on generations of players and fans.