Rick Adelman, a former NBA coach, enjoyed a prosperous 23-season career in the league. Born on June 16, 1946, in Lynwood, California, Adelman played college basketball at Loyola Marymount University.
Drafted by the San Diego Rockets in the 7th round of the 1968 NBA draft, he later transitioned into coaching, leading various teams such as the Portland Trail Blazers, Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets, and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Rick Adelman is thought to have around $3 million in money and belongings, and this estimate is often mentioned. His money mostly comes from being a basketball coach, where he found success both financially and in his career.
Rick made money mainly by coaching NBA teams after he stopped playing. First, he coached college basketball at Chemeketa Community College, then became the head coach for different NBA teams like the Portland Trail Blazers, Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets, and Minnesota Timberwolves.
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In Downey, California, Rick Adelman attended St. Pius X High School, where he stood out as a basketball player and made a notable impact. His impressive skills led to him being selected for the All-CIF Southern Section team during his senior year.
Adelman played college basketball at Loyola Marymount University from 1965 to 1968. He achieved star status in collegiate basketball, receiving All-West Coast Conference honors in his senior year. Notably, he was named the MVP of his team and later, in 1989, was honored with induction into the Loyola Marymount Athletic Hall of Fame.
Following his graduation from Loyola Marymount, Adelman was drafted by the San Diego Rockets in the 7th round of the 1968 NBA draft. Adelman played in 76 games during his college career, averaging 6.3 points per game and 4.8 rebounds per game.
After finishing his seven-year career as an NBA player, Rick Adelman faced the challenge of becoming a coach. In 1975, he went back to Loyola Marymount University, where he had studied before, to get a master's degree in history. This was to improve his chances of getting coaching jobs. However, he struggled to find coaching positions initially because many roles, even in high school, required a master's degree.
Eventually, his master's degree helped him become the basketball coach at Chemeketa Community College in 1977. This opportunity marked the start of his coaching journey, which later led to a successful career in the NBA.
Rick Adelman and his wife, Mary, have been married for more than forty years. They've faced challenges from Rick's playing days to his coaching career. In a field where divorces are common, Mary and Rick have stayed together since the start.
Recently, the Minnesota Timberwolves shared that Rick missed the last two games because he's been with his wife, Mary Kay, who is currently in the hospital.
Rick Adelman announced his retirement from coaching on April 21, 2014, concluding a 23-season career in the NBA. His decision to step aside was influenced by the desire to spend more time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Additionally, his wife, Mary Kay Adelman, faced health challenges, including seizures, which had kept him away from the team during his final coaching season with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Adelman stated that it was the right time for him to step away, expressing confidence in the team's structure and contributing to his choice to retire from coaching.
Rick Adelman's substantial contributions to the NBA were officially acknowledged with his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021, highlighting the profound impact he made during his coaching tenure. In 2023, he received further recognition for his outstanding career with the prestigious Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award, a testament to his enduring influence on the sport.
As a successful NBA coach, Adelman's legacy extends beyond his win-loss record. His coaching style, strategic prowess, and ability to inspire players have left an indelible mark on the league. The Hall of Fame induction and the Lifetime Achievement Award serve as tributes to a career marked by excellence and dedication.
In his post-coaching career, it is expected that Adelman will continue to focus on preserving and furthering the positive impact he has had on the NBA and its players.
Rick Adelman, the ex-NBA head coach, has been connected to controversies related to his son, David Adelman, who is also a basketball coach. In 2016, David Adelman faced allegations of delivering a racist rant during halftime of a Portland JV game, resulting in accusations of racism and the initiation of a complaint.
The prevalent discussions and articles predominantly center on assessing Rick Adelman's coaching career and highlighting his perceived underrated status as an NBA head coach.
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