Houston Rockets: Coach Rick Adleman Reaches Wins Milestone Against Former Team

Houston Rockets coach Rick Adleman has tied Dick Motta for tenth on the all-time NBA wins list as Houston trounced the Sacramento Kings late Monday evening, bringing his career record to 935-609. His next milestone should come soon, with Red Auerbach and Bill Fitch both likely to be passed before the season's conclusion.

Rick's first full season of coaching in the NBA was with the 89'-90' Portland Trailblazers. At the age of 43, a young Adleman held the reigns while Clyde the Glide guided the way to a 59-23 record and western conference championship before eventually losing to the Detroit Pistons in the finals. In 91'-92', they went back to the finals only to be beaten by Micheal Jordan and his first championship Bulls team.  

Fast forward 21 years or so, and not much has changed. Rick Adleman has traveled through Sacramento to Houston, but his free-flowing system proves to be one of the most successful in NBA history. Of the nine coaches who are ahead of Rick on the all time wins list, only Red Auerbach, Pat Riley, and Phil Jackson have a higher winning percentage. As of this evening, Adleman stands three wins from tying Red Auerbach for ninth all time, and there is no reason to believe that any of the coaches on the list are safe.  

Throughout the years, many players have enjoyed playing in his offensive-minded, high paced system.  The half court sets emphasize two post positions, with slashers and extra passes. In Portland it was Clyde Drexler, Terry Porter, and Jerome Kersey. In Sacramento he used Vlade Divac, Chris Webber, and Mike Bibby to remain a constant contender.  Houston has perhaps been where he has made the most magic happen.  Dealing with injuries to his superstars and finding the best out of marginal talent, while still going to the playoffs, has been an incredible feat for an already great coach.

"I never thought in my wildest dreams I would be on that list...looking back I got three wonderful opportunities, and not everyone gets a chance like that."

-Rick Adleman on his inclusion to the top 10 coaches, in terms of wins, all time.