Rockets mourn death of former head coach Rick Adelman

On Monday, the NBA announced the passing of Rick Adelman, a former player and head coach who was recently enshrined in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

Adelman was 79 years old. His time in the NBA included multiple stints with the Rockets franchise, both as a player and head coach.

“Rick Adelman was one of the most respected and accomplished coaches in the history of the NBA,” Adam Silver, league commissioner, said in a statement .

“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.”

Adelman was preceded in death by his son, R.J. , a former Rockets assistant who died in 2018. Adelman’s other son, David, is now head coach of the Denver Nuggets .

As a franchise, the Rockets issued their own statement on Adelman’s passing. It reads:

The Houston Rockets and the Fertitta family mourn the passing of Rick Adelman, one of the most respected and influential figures in NBA history.

During his four seasons in Houston, Coach Adelman guided the Rockets with professionalism, integrity, and a deep commitment to the game. His role in leading the team during the 22-game winning streak in 2008 remains one of the most remarkable achievements in franchise history and will always be remembered by Rockets fans.