Adelman's journey began as a point guard, drafted by the San Diego Rockets in 1968. Though his playing career was cut short due to injury, his basketball IQ and leadership shone through. This paved the way for his coaching foray, starting as an assistant in 1973.

His big break came in 1989 when he took over the Portland Trail Blazers. His "read-and-react" offense, emphasizing ball movement and player freedom, unlocked the potential of stars like Clyde Drexler and Terry Porter. It catapulted them to back-to-back NBA Finals appearances in 1990 and 1992, establishing Adelman as a force to be reckoned with.

Adelman's coaching magic continued with the Sacramento Kings. He transformed a struggling team into a perennial contender, led by the dynamic duo of Chris Webber and Vlade Divac. Despite never reaching the promised land, Adelman's teams were known for their exciting, fast-paced style and his ability to elevate players.