Rick Adelman, a man who made a significant impact on the NBA in multiple ways, passed away on June 1. He was 79.
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The NBA Coaches Association announced the news on Monday, June 1, with a statement. The association did not provide a cause of death.
A native of California, Adelman spent seven years playing in the NBA (1968-1975) for a variety of teams. He averaged 7.7 points per game during his career while playing point guard. He then moved into the world of coaching in 1983 and kicked off a Hall of Fame tenure.
The membership of the National Basketball Coaches Association joins the NBA family in mourning the passing of legendary Head Coach and Hall of Famer, Rick Adelman.
Rick Adelman coached in the NBA for 29 years, serving as a Head Coach for 23 seasons with the Portland Trail… pic.twitter.com/ksRQzGkF9Z
— NBA Coaches Assoc. (@NBA_Coaches) June 1, 2026
Adelman spent 23 years serving as a head coach in the NBA. He led the Portland Trail Blazers for six seasons, the Golden State Warriors for two, the Sacramento Kings for eight, the Houston Rockets for four, and the Minnesota Timberwolves for three.
Adelman coached in 1,791 games. He led his teams to 1,042 wins, the 10th-most in NBA history. He coached his teams to a 79-78 record in the playoffs.
"Rick Adelman was one of the most respected and accomplished coaches in the history of the NBA," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement.
"Following his NBA playing 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 over 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."
Adelman spent the first six years of his coaching career as an assistant with the Portland Trail Blazers. He then took over the team as head coach in 1988. One year later, the Trail Blazers won the Western Conference title. They then won the Western Conference title again in 1991-92.
These two seasons did not end with the Trail Blazers winning the NBA title. The Western Conference team has not returned to the NBA Finals since.
"The Portland Trail Blazers organization is deeply saddened by the passing of Rick Adelman, a franchise legend and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer," the team said in a statement. "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."
