Hall of Fame Head Coach Rick Adelman Has Passed at 79

For nearly a quarter of a century Coach Adelman was one of the most successful and innovative coaches the NBA has ever seen. His 1,042 career wins ranks 10th all-time. Therefore, we are extremely saddened to learn that Hall of Fame Head Coach Rick Adelman has passed at 79.

Adelman will be remembered not only as a coach and a player, but also as a mentor to so many in the basketball community. Rick was an influential force that led the Trail Blazers to a pair of NBA Finals appearances. First in 1990 with Clyde Drexler, when they lost to the Detroit Pistons. The franchise also made it back two years later, but ended up falling to the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls.

Due to such a legacy with the franchise, Portland immediately took to social media to confirm the news of their former player, assistant coach as well as late head coach. The organization stated,

“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.”

Hall of Fame Head Coach Rick Adelman Has Passed at 79

The membership of the National Basketball Coaches Association joined the NBA family in mourning the passing of legendary Head Coach and Hall of Famer, Rick Adelman. The Coaches Association took a moment to briefly recount the Adelman’s Hall of Fame career. They stated,

“Rick Adelman coached in the NBA for 29 years, serving as a Head Coach for 23 seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves. Over his coaching career, Rick won 1,042 games (10th all-time), was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021 and received the NBCA Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023. Coach Adelman also enjoyed an eight-year NBA playing career with the San Diego Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers, Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Jazz, and Kansas City-Omaha Kings.”

Monday evening NBA commissioner Adam Silver also released a statement regarding Rick’s passing. Silver mentioned,

“Rick Adelman was one of the most respected and accomplished coaches in the history of the NBA. 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 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 Ricks’ family and many friends throughout the league.”

Rick was a husband to Mary Kay for 56 years; father to Kathy, RJ, Laura, David, Caitlin, and Patrick; and a grandfather of twelve. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire NBA community during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with Head Coach David Adelman, the entire Adelman family and the many friends and loved ones that were fortunate enough to know Rick.

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