By admin 
Rick Adelman, the coach who led the Sacramento Kings to the brink of an NBA championship, died at the age of 79.
Read more Vang accuses Matsui of steering super PAC funds to long-shot GOP candidate
The NBA Coaches Association announced Adelman’s death on social media, tweeting: “The membership of the National Basketball Coaches Association joins the NBA family in mourning the passing of legendary Head Coach and Hall of Famer, Rick Adelman.”
Adelman coached the Kings from 1998 to 2006, amassing a record of 395-229 over eight seasons. He led the Kings to eight consecutive playoff appearances, including a memorable run to the Western Conference finals in 2002. The Kings lost a hotly contested and controversial seven-game series to the Los Angeles Lakers, who went on to sweep the New Jersey Nets in the NBA Finals.
Adelman orchestrated a high-octane brand of basketball that made the Kings a global phenomenon dubbed “The Greatest Show on Court” on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 2001. Adelman’s teams featured Jason Williams, Mike Bibby, Doug Christie, Bobby Jackson, Peja Stojakovic, Chris Webber, Vlade Divac and Brad Miller.
The Sacramento Kings organization is deeply saddened by the passing of Rick Adelman, a beloved coach whose leadership, character, and vision helped define an era of Kings basketball that inspired our city and captivated fans around the world.
During his eight seasons in… pic.twitter.com/nX0848kCW9— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) June 1, 2026
Adelman was a star point guard at Loyola University in Los Angeles, now known as Loyola Marymount. The San Diego Rockets selected Adelman with the 79th overall pick in the seventh round of the 1968 NBA draft. He averaged 7.7 points, 2.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists over seven seasons with the San Diego/Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers, Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Jazz and Kansas City Kings.
Read more Yolo judge to decide on gag order in Esparto fireworks case after hearing from lawyers
Adelman compiled a 1,042-749 (.582) record with 16 playoff appearances over 23 seasons as an NBA head coach with the Blazers, Golden State Warriors, Kings, Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves. He led the Blazers to the NBA Finals in 1990 and 1992.
Adelman was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021. He was presented with the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023.
The Kings issued a statement shortly after Adelman’s death was announced.
“The Sacramento Kings organization is deeply saddened by the passing of Rick Adelman, a beloved coach whose leadership, character, and vision helped define an era of Kings basketball that inspired our city and captivated fans around the world,” the team said. “During his eight seasons in Sacramento, he led the team to unprecedented success and helped create some of the most memorable moments in franchise history.
“For an entire generation of Kings fans, Coach Adelman represented the very best of Sacramento basketball, and he will be remembered for the way he inspired those around him with humility, integrity, kindness and an unwavering belief in the power of teamwork. His leadership helped establish a culture that continues to resonate throughout our organization today. Our thoughts are with Mary Kay, his family, friends, former players and all who loved him.”
Read more Early primary voting for Democrats sluggish, Republicans up slightly over 2022
This is a developing story; check back with sacbee.com for updates.