http://www.nypost.com/seven/0314200...01873.htm?CMP=EMC-email_edition&DATE=03142008 HE'S THE ADELMAN By PETER VECSEY March 14, 2008 -- LONG before Rick Adel man's Yao Ming-less Rockets amassed the second longest winning streak in NBA history (The Bobcats are bound to become 21st straight victim tonight if the home team doesn't get caught looking ahead to Sunday's play date with the Lakers), he was by far the league's all-time most underrated coach. In 16 previous seasons Adelman's three teams (Blazers, Warriors, Kings) were denied making the playoffs a total of zero times. Portland twice reached The Finals. Equally remarkable is his .610 winning percentage (752-481) and just three of those seasons were below .500, his first as a Blazer in 1989 (14-21) when Rick replaced Mike Schuler in mid-February and both years (36-46 and 30-52) with Golden State. No wonder Kings president Geoff Petrie did everything in his power to keep the Maloof Brothers from cutting ties with Adelman. There are no secrets to Adelman's success: He treats his players like men; shows no favorites; is disciplined within reason; operates an uninhibiting, free-flowing, back-cutting offensive style that's enjoyable to play (and watch); and his fidelity is fearsome. In three decades of covering Adelman as a player and a coach I have yet to hear him utter a disparaging word about any of his players; he always has had their back. If pressed the length of the pool by CIA interrogators, I couldn't come up with another name renowned for not cheating on someone close to him at one time or another. Who have the Rockets beaten during their streak (eight minus Yao), you scoff? Only every team on their schedule. * Why wouldn't Isiah Thomas pick up Gerald Green for the remainder of the season? It's not like the Knicks are saturated with explosive small forwards flaunting inhuman athleticism and a decent mid-range jumper.
I thought this was pretty amazing until I looked it up. Adelman didn't make the playoffs during the two years with the Warriors. 1995-96 36 wins 46 losses 1996-97 30 wins 52 losses Way to check the stats, Vescey.
Good article. Adelman is a big factor in our streak. I think everyone is convinced he is a very good coach and his offensive strategies are impressive.
