Rick Adelman
Inducted:
2021
Player Stats
6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
175 lb (79 kg)
Born:
June 16, 1946
Lynwood, California, U.S.
Position:
Point Guard
Coach
College:
Loyola Marymount (1965–1968)
Rick Adelman built a distinguished NBA coaching career known for intelligence, adaptability, and offensive innovation. After a modest playing career as a guard, he transitioned to coaching and became one of the league’s most respected minds.
Adelman led the Portland Trail Blazers to two NBA Finals appearances and turned the Sacramento Kings into one of the most entertaining and efficient offenses of the early 2000s.
His teams were known for unselfish ball movement and high basketball IQ. Over 23 seasons as a head coach, he earned more than 1,000 wins, making him one of the winningest coaches in NBA history.
Adelman was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021, a recognition of his lasting influence and success.
Adelman's Awards and Records
- 3× NBA All-Star Game head coach (1991, 2001, 2003)
- Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award (2023)
- 1,042 career wins – 9th all-time among NBA head coaches
- 2× NBA Finals appearances (1990, 1992 – Portland Trail Blazers)
- Coached 16 playoff teams across four franchises
- Led Sacramento Kings to best franchise record (61 wins, 2001–02)
- Noted for popularizing high-post passing offenses and team-oriented play
Coaching Teams
Chemeketa CC 1977–1983
Portland Trail Blazers (assistant) 1983–1989
Portland Trail Blazers 1989–1994
Golden State Warriors 1995–1997
Sacramento Kings 1999–2006
Houston Rockets 2007–2011
Minnesota Timberwolves 2011–2014
NBA Draft:
1968: 7th round, 79th overall pick
San Diego Rockets
Numbers Worn:
12, 21, 5
Career Stats
Coaching career:
1977–2014
Games Coached:
1,791
Wins:
1,042
Losses:
749
Winning %:
.582
Playoff Record:
79–78