Rick Adelman, a Hall of Fame NBA coach who led teams to 16 playoff appearances over 23 seasons, has died at 79. The NBA Coaches Association confirmed his death but did not disclose the cause or location. Adelman won 1,042 regular-season games, twice guiding the Portland Trail Blazers to the Finals and coaching stars like Clyde Drexler, Chris Webber, and Yao Ming.

Over his career, Adelman's teams secured at least 50 wins 11 times, including a 53-29 mark in 1989-90. His most memorable season ended in heartbreak when the 2002 Sacramento Kings were denied the Finals by controversial officiating in Game 6 against the Los Angeles Lakers, where they received 27 free throws in the fourth quarter. The incident sparked public outcry and a federal investigation.

A former player with the Trail Blazers, Adelman began coaching at the community college level before rising to the NBA. He is survived by four children, including Denver Nuggets coach David Adelman. His straightforward coaching style and player development shaped multiple franchises.