Hall of Fame coach Rick Adelman, winner of greater than 1,000 video games, dies at 79

Rick Adelman, a Basketball Hall of Fame inductee who performed for seven NBA seasons earlier than turning into one of many recreation’s all-time winningest coaches, has died, the National Basketball Coaches Association introduced Monday.

Adelman, the daddy of Denver Nuggets coach David Adelman, was 79. The reason for his loss of life was not instantly introduced.

Rick Adelman gained 1,042 video games as an NBA coach, Tenth-most in league historical past. Only 4 different coaches — Pat Riley, Gregg Popovich, Jerry Sloan and George Karl — coached extra video games and had a greater profitable share than Adelman, who took the Portland Trail Blazers to the NBA Finals twice and likewise served as head coach in Sacramento, Houston, Minnesota and Golden State.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the next assertion in the present day concerning the passing of former NBA participant, head coach and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Rick Adelman:

“Rick Adelman was one of the most respected and accomplished coaches in the history of the NBA. Following… pic.twitter.com/O8ciXfIg7R

— NBA (@NBA) June 2, 2026

“Adelman will be remembered not only as a coach and a player, but also as a mentor to so many in the basketball community,” learn an announcement from the coaches’ affiliation, which honored Adelman with its Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023.

“Rick Adelman’s NBA coaching career has been highlighted by innovation, integrity and excellence,” Indiana coach Rick Carlisle stated when the NBCA introduced that award three years in the past. “His teams always played to their strengths, and Rick always found subtle ways to reinvent NBA basketball to help his players thrive. His quiet, unassuming nature belies his impact as one of the great NBA coaches of all time.”

The Sacramento Kings group is deeply saddened by the passing of Rick Adelman, a beloved coach whose management, character, and imaginative and prescient helped outline an period of Kings basketball that impressed our metropolis and captivated followers world wide.   
  
During his eight seasons in… pic.twitter.com/nX0848kCW9

— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) June 1, 2026

The Rockets, the place Adelman coached 2007-11, honored his “professionalism, integrity and deep commitment to the game.”

The Houston Rockets and the Fertitta Family mourn the passing of Rick Adelman, one of the crucial revered and influential figures in NBA historical past.

During his 4 seasons in Houston, Coach Adelman guided the Rockets with professionalism, integrity, and a deep dedication to the… pic.twitter.com/p3Zdr60y8s

— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) June 2, 2026

The Timberwolves, the place Adelman coached from 2011-14, posted that he “exemplified leadership, integrity and professionalism throughout his distinguished career.”

The Minnesota Timberwolves are deeply saddened by the passing of Hall of Fame coach Rick Adelman.

Adelman served as head coach of the Timberwolves from 2011-14 and exemplified management, integrity and professionalism all through his distinguished profession. Serving as head coach… pic.twitter.com/SCD5EkF9Tt

— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) June 2, 2026

The Warriors remembered Adelman for his creativity and ingenuity throughout two seasons there as a coach (1995-97).

Rick Adelman left an indelible mark on the NBA throughout his practically 4 a long time within the league, each as a participant for seven seasons and as a coach for 29 seasons, together with two seasons with the Warriors (1995-97).

His creativity and ingenuity led his groups to 1,042 wins throughout his… pic.twitter.com/AFHYvJIT4z

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) June 1, 2026