Rick Adelman, who led the Portland Trail Blazers to 2 NBA Finals appearances, dies at 79
By: Jared Cowley (KGW)
PORTLAND, Ore. (KGW) — Rick Adelman, a Hall of Fame coach who led the Portland Trail Blazers to two NBA Finals appearances in the early 1990s, has died, the National Basketball Coaches Association reported Monday. He was 79.
The Trail Blazers confirmed his death a short time later, describing him in a statement as a "franchise legend" and "one of the most influential figures in franchise history."
Adelman coached the Blazers teams led by Clyde Drexler, Terry Porter, Jerome Kersey, Buck Williams and Kevin Duckworth. Portland reached the NBA Finals in 1990 and 1992, where they lost to the Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls.
In six seasons as the Blazers' head coach, from 1988 to 1994, Adelman compiled a 291-154 record and led Portland to the playoffs each year. He ranks first in franchise history in winning percentage (.654), playoff games coached (69) and playoff victories (36), and third in regular-season wins behind Jack Ramsay and Terry Stotts.
"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," the team said, in part.
Adelman also played three seasons for Portland as part of an eight-year NBA career. A member of the franchise's inaugural roster in 1970, he averaged 9.8 points, 4.6 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 2.2 steals in 237 games with the Blazers from 1970 to 1973.
He coached 29 seasons in the NBA, including stints with the Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves. He ranks 10th in league history with 1,042 wins.
Adelman was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021 and received the NBCA's Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver reflected on Adelman's life and career.
"Rick Adelman was one of the most respected and accomplished coaches in the history of the NBA. 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," Silver said in a statement. "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."
He is survived by his wife, Mary Kay, to whom he was married for 56 years; six children, Kathy, RJ, Laura, David, Caitlin, and Patrick; and 12 grandchildren.
Adelman's son, David, is currently the head coach of the Denver Nuggets. His daughter, Kathy, played four seasons at the University of Portland and coached at Jesuit High School and Beaverton High School.
