Jerry Reynolds: Rick Adelman is ‘the most underrated great coach of all time’
Jerry Reynolds reflects on Rick Adelman's legacy, coaching brilliance, and lasting impact on the Sacramento Kings and today's NBA game.
Watch: Jerry Reynolds: Rick Adelman Deserves Kings Jersey Retirement | 24 mins
Rick Adelman’s impact on the Sacramento Kings remains unmatched, and few people are better equipped to explain why than Jerry Reynolds.
The legendary former Kings general manager, head coach, and television analyst joined Sactown Sports’ The Drive Guys this week to reflect on the life and career of Adelman, who passed away at the age of 79.
Adelman coached the Kings from 1998-2006, compiling a 395-229 record while leading Sacramento to the playoffs in all eight seasons.
His teams, known as “The Greatest Show on Court,” featured stars such as Chris Webber, Vlade Divac, Peja Stojakovic, Mike Bibby, Doug Christie, Bobby Jackson, and Jason Williams.
(Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
More on Rick Adelman
For Reynolds, Rick Adelman’s legacy extends far beyond wins and losses.
“I just think maybe the best, the most underrated great coach ever,” Reynolds said. “Of course, he didn’t get a championship, because the league decided they didn’t want the Kings to win one, but that’s another story.”
Reynolds pointed to Adelman’s success not only in Sacramento, but throughout his NBA coaching career. He cited Adelman’s trip to the NBA Finals with Portland and his ability to keep winning in Houston despite major injuries to stars Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady.
What made Rick Adelman special, according to Reynolds, was his creativity. Long before floor spacing and ball movement became staples around the league, Adelman built an offense around those principles.
“He was ahead of the game with the two bigs high, all the cutting, the spacing of the floor,” Reynolds said. “We got two great passing bigs, we got to figure out a way to use them.”
Reynolds believes many of the concepts that dominate today’s NBA can be traced back to Adelman’s Kings teams.
“I thought Coach Adelman and the teams of that time were ahead of the league,” Reynolds said. “The Kings really established that spacing.”
(Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
Beyond the X’s and O’s, Reynolds remembered Adelman as a family man who kept his priorities in order.
“He wanted to coach his team the best he could, and then go home to his family,” Reynolds said. “That was it. Family at home, and a job. I can’t think of many people who did it better.”
Reynolds also argued that Adelman never received enough recognition from the franchise he helped transform.
“It’s a tragedy that he didn’t have a jersey retired up there,” Reynolds said. “He’s more important than any player’s jersey hanging up there to the Sacramento Kings.”
As Sacramento mourns one of the most influential figures in franchise history, Reynolds offered perhaps the most fitting tribute of all.
“We’re not going to see another coach as good as he is in Sacramento,” Reynolds said. “I know in my lifetime I won’t.”
Listen to The Drive Guys from 2 – 6 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.
More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports
What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?
The Sacramento Kings are preparing for a crucial 2026 NBA Draft, which is set to take place from Tuesday, June 23rd, through Wednesday, June 24th.
Sacramento owns the 7th pick in the Draft, giving them a chance at selecting a talented player with upside, such as Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr., Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr., Houston’s Kingston Flemings, and Illinois guard Keaton Wagler, among others.
Be sure to stay locked into Sactown Sports for pre-draft workout news, player breakdowns, draft rumors and MUCH more.
Upcoming Sacramento Kings & NBA Offseason Schedule
- Tuesday, June 23rd – NBA Draft (Round 1)
- Wednesday, June 24th – NBA Draft (Round 2)
- Tuesday, June 30th – NBA Free Agency negotiation period begins (3 PM PT)
- Saturday, July 4th – Monday, July 6th – California Classic at Golden 1 Center
- Thursday, July 9th – NBA Las Vegas Summer League begins
- Monday, July 13th – Free Agency moratorium ends / signings can become official
Thank you for reading SactownSports.com. Follow us on Twitter and Google News, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Related
Christian McCaffrey could see a lighter workload in 2026
Why George Kittle’s Week 1 decision looms large for the 49ers
49ers acquire veteran LB Deion Jones from Saints
Sources: Kings GM Scott Perry in Florida to watch Ben Simmons workout
Will the 26-27 Kings be a Bottom-5 Team in the NBA?
A’s Injury Updates: Clarke mashing during rehab stint, Severino progressing
Comments
1 Comments
There's a really good story on the Athletic about Rick and not just the basketball side, the type of great person he was as well. I highly suggest people check that out...it's definitely worth the read!