Rick Adelman
Rick Adelman coached the Houston Rockets from 2007 to 2011, leading them to two playoff appearances and a historic 22-game winning streak.
Rick Adelman was an American professional basketball player and coach who coached 23 seasons in the NBA, including as head coach of the Houston Rockets from 2007 to 2011.
Quick Facts
- Born
- 16 June 1946
- Birthplace
- Lynwood, California, U.S.
- Died
- 1 June 2026
- Place of death
- Portland, Oregon, U.S.
- High school
- St. Pius X (Downey, California)
- College
- Loyola Marymount (1965–1968)
- Draft round
- 7
- Draft pick
- 79
Lore & Background
Adelman was hired as head coach of the Houston Rockets on May 23, 2007, five days after the dismissal of Jeff Van Gundy. In his first season, he guided the Rockets to a 22-game winning streak, the third-longest in NBA history, but they lost in the first round of the playoffs. In the 2008-09 season, the Rockets finished 53–29 and advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals for the first time since 1997, defeating the Portland Trail Blazers in six games before losing to the Los Angeles Lakers in seven games. Adelman won his 800th career game on March 24, 2008, against the Sacramento Kings. On April 18, 2011, the Houston Chronicle reported that the Rockets would not give Adelman a new contract; he and the team parted ways after four seasons and two playoff appearances.
Reader's Guide
Adelman's tenure with the Rockets lasted four seasons (2007–2011), with two playoff appearances. His best season was 2008-09, when the Rockets reached the Western Conference Semifinals. He never won an NBA title as a coach.
Did You Know?
- Adelman was hired by the Rockets on May 23, 2007, not May 18 as previously stated.
- He led the Rockets to a 22-game winning streak in the 2007-08 season, the third-longest in NBA history at the time.
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