Rick Adelman spent 23 seasons as an NBA head coach, ranking 10th all-time with 1,042 regular-season wins. Brian Babineau / GettyBy The Athletic NBA StaffJune 1, 2026 7:04 pm EDT Updated Hall of Fame basketball coach Rick Adelman has died at 79, the Sacramento Kings announced Monday. A cause of death was not disclosed.“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 in a statement. “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.”Adelman led five different NBA teams in 23 seasons as a head coach. He is best known for his runs with the Portland Trail Blazers (1988-94) and the Kings (1998-2006). Hr also coached the Golden State Warriors (1995-97), Houston Rockets (2007-2011) and Minnesota Timberwolves (2011-14).