As has been the tradition since 2009, the coaches union honors the greatest coaches in history through the “Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award” trophy. This year it is Rick Adelman who was honored for all of his work. He succeeds Mike Fratello, winner in 2022.
A player from 1968 to 1975, Rick Adelman worked as an assistant for the Blazers for six years (1983-1989) before becoming head coach, first in Portland (1989-1994), then Golden State (19995-1997). ), Sacramento (1999-2006) where he became the game architect for the Kings, Houston (2007-2011) and Minnesota (2011-2014). He is thus the 10th most successful coach in history in the regular season (1,042 wins) and 13th in the playoffs (79).
“Rick Adelman’s coaching career in the NBA has been marked by innovation, integrity and excellence,” said Rick Carlislepresident of the coaches union, via a press release. “His teams have always played to their strengths, and Rick has always found subtle ways to reinvent NBA basketball to help his players thrive. His quiet, low-key nature contrasts with his impact as one of the greatest NBA coaches of all time.
His son, David, is Mike Malone’s first assistant
The legacy of Rick Adelman is also still very palpable on the occasion of these NBA Finals. Beyond the fact that his son, David, is an assistant for the Nuggets, two Heat players have played for him: Kyle Lowry in Houston and Kevin Love in Minnesota. Finally, he also marked Erik Spoelstra, who grew up in Oregon, when Rick Adelman took Portland to the NBA Finals (beaten by the Pistons in 1990 and the Bulls in 1992).
“As I grew up in high school and college, it was Rick who influenced me. I liked his way of working. He was a great mentor to me.”said the Miami coach.
“I’m very surprised, I think they were out of names” joked Rick Adelman about the award. “I did not expect to receive the Daly award. I didn’t expect to get into the Hall of Fame either. I didn’t even think about that price. I was shocked when Carlisle called to tell me. But I’m glad. »
Now 76, Rick Adelman has struggled with serious health issues in recent years, with blood infections that forced him into assisted living in Oregon with his wife, Mary Kay, as the couple are now married. for 53 years.
Nevertheless, the former Sacramento coach will travel to Denver for these Finals. A pleasure for the former technician, who recognizes a filiation with his principles of play.
“I like the way Denver plays. That’s how we played in Sacramento. There were many identical things. They have a reason to play this way: (Nikola) Jokic. He’s a different force, the most spectacular player I’ve ever seen play. I like the way he plays, the way he does things, and David says he’s great to coach. He makes it look easy, but what he does is hard.”
