The basketball world is mourning the loss of NBA Hall of Fame coach Rick Adelman, who passed away on June 1, 2026, at the age of 79. While he is celebrated for leading the Portland Trail Blazers to two NBA Finals and pioneering the elegant “corner offense” with the Sacramento Kings, those who knew him best consistently placed his family at the forefront.
Throughout a coaching career that spanned nearly 25 years and 1,042 wins, Adelman’s life was anchored by his wife, Mary Kay, and their six children. He often prioritized his family above all else, even stepping away from coaching duties to support them. The picture that emerges is not just of a master basketball tactician, but of a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose personal life was as rich and textured as his professional one.
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Wife: Mary Kay, His Cornerstone
The central figure in Adelman’s personal life was his wife, Mary Kay Fournier (née Adelman). The couple married on May 16, 1970, and remained inseparable for an incredible 56 years until his passing. Mary Kay was a constant presence, often seen at his side through the highs of playoff runs and the lows of difficult seasons.
In 2013, Adelman missed 11 games with the Minnesota Timberwolves to be by her side when she was hospitalized for seizures, demonstrating where his priorities truly lay. After retiring in 2014, the couple settled in Portland to be closer to their expanding family, a testament to the enduring partnership that was the bedrock of his life.
Children: A Basketball Legacy and Beyond
Rick Adelman and Mary Kay raised a large family, consisting of six kids: Kathy, RJ, Laura, David, Caitlin, and Patrick. The family’s connection to the game is strongest through their son David Adelman, who has forged a notable coaching career in his own right, currently serving as the head coach of the Denver Nuggets. David has often spoken about the invaluable lessons learned from his father’s example on and off the court.
Basketball remains a central theme for the family. Their eldest daughter, Kathy, is a high school basketball coach in Portland, while another son, RJ, worked in the front offices of several NBA teams. Tragically, RJ passed away in 2018 at the age of 44. Aside from his surviving children, Adelman was also a proud grandfather to twelve grandchildren, leaving behind a vibrant and extensive family that stands as a powerful living legacy to the man and the values he held dear.
