Veteran coach expected to formally announce decision later on Monday.
Minnesota Timberwolves coach Rick Adelman has decided to retire from the game after 23 seasons, according to ESPN.
Adelman is expected to formally announce his decision later on Monday, and it will bring an end to a remarkable career in which he has overseen 1,042 victories which leaves him in eighth place on the NBA’s career list.
Prior to the Timberwolves, the 67-year-old had spells with the likes of the Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors, Portland Trail Blazers and Sacramento Kings, but he leaves with a year remaining on his current deal.
Minnesota missed out on the playoffs for the third straight season this year and while he has also had to deal with off the court matters including that of his wife’s health, Adelman has seemingly decided that the time is right to walk away from the league.
“I think every coach in this league has taken some of his concepts,” Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said earlier this month. “You can see every team has part of his corner series as part of their offense.”
Adelman is one of the most celebrated coaches in the NBA and has gained respect from his peers along the way as he won at least 50 games a season 11 times in his career.
However, the frustration has been growing in Minnesota given that the talent on their roster has been unable to deliver post-season basketball to the supporters, and it remains to be seen in which direction the franchise now head.
Back in March, ESPN reported that Iowa State coach Fred Hoiberg was on the list as a potential successor given his previous ties with the organisation as players and executive, while Michigan State coach Tom Izzo has also been mentioned.
However, it doesn’t appear as though a decision on his replacement will be announced any time soon, as Adelman will now rightfully receive praise for his contribution to the NBA.
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