Adam Silver sends deep condolences to Rick Adelman’s family after passing

On Monday, it was announced that former NBA coach Rick Adelman had passed away at the age of 79.

Afterward, Commissioner Adam Silver put out a statement expressing condolences to Adelman’s family and celebrating his legacy.

“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. 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.”

Adam Silver’s comments on the passing of Rick Adelman: pic.twitter.com/yOxyjiLFHV

— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) June 2, 2026

Altogether, Adelman played in the NBA from 1968 to 1975. He played for the San Diego Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers, Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Jazz, and Sacramento Kings.

From there, Adelman was one of the most successful coaches in NBA history from 1977 to 2014. Overall, he compiled 1,042 wins and is ranked 10th on the all-time win list.

His most notable coaching period was with the Trail Blazers, beginning as an assistant from 1983 to 1989. In 1989, Adelman became the head coach. He led the Trail Blazers to two NBA Finals appearances in 1990 and 1992.

From there, Adelman coached the Golden State Warriors from 1995 to 1997. Then, he took over the reins for the Kings from 1999 to 2006, which included a trip to the Conference Finals in 2002.

Afterward, Adelman coached the Houston Rockets from 2007 to 2011 and the Minnesota Timberwolves from 2011 to 2014.

Adelman’s son, David, is currently the head coach of the Denver Nuggets. Adelman was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021.

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