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Hall of Fame Coach Rick Adelman Dies at 79

6/3/2026

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Summary

Rick Adelman Dies

NBCA announced Hall of Fame coach Rick Adelman died on June 1, 2026, at 79.
He ended his career with 1,042 wins after 23 seasons with Portland, Golden State, Sacramento, Houston and Minnesota.
He entered the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021 and earned the 2023 Chuck Daly Award.
The announcement noted no disclosed cause of death and listed survivors as wife Mary Kay, six children—including Nuggets coach David—and 12 grandchildren.

Summary

Rick Adelman Legacy

Adelman’s 22-game winning streak with the Houston Rockets in 2008 ranks fourth-longest in NBA history.
Kyle Lowry said Adelman trusted him, gave him a chance, and he would not be where he is without that belief.
While coaching the Minnesota Timberwolves, Adelman helped Kevin Love become an All-Star and a top scorer.

History

Historical Context

In 1957 Red Auerbach guided the Boston Celtics to their first NBA title, beating the St. Louis Hawks in a seven-game series that ended with a double-overtime Game 7—the only such finale in league history. The win built on Auerbach’s earlier moves, like drafting Chuck Cooper in 1950, the NBA’s first African-American player, and adding Bill Russell in 1956, launching a dynasty that reshaped the league.

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Rick Adelman Dies

NBCA announced Hall of Fame coach Rick Adelman died on June 1, 2026, at 79.
He ended his career with 1,042 wins after 23 seasons with Portland, Golden State, Sacramento, Houston and Minnesota.
He entered the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021 and earned the 2023 Chuck Daly Award.
The announcement noted no disclosed cause of death and listed survivors as wife Mary Kay, six children—including Nuggets coach David—and 12 grandchildren.

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