David Adelman, now at the helm of the Denver Nuggets, has deep roots in Portland, a city where basketball pulses through the community's veins. Growing up here, Adelman, a proud alum of Jesuit High School, began his coaching journey as an assistant with the Crusaders.
Before Friday night’s clash between the Nuggets and the Trail Blazers at the iconic Moda Center, Adelman shared some heartfelt memories of attending Blazer games as a kid. His message was clear: Portland needs to keep its beloved team.
“This was the best place to grow up,” Adelman reflected. “I loved it here.
Still do. They’ve got to keep the team here.
They’ve got to find a way to do that. This is a basketball city.
The Northwest deserves two teams. (The team leaving) would be crushing for this community.”
While the Blazers aren't on the brink of leaving, there's a buzz around the need for major renovations at the Moda Center. The future of these upgrades hinges on state legislators, and could hit snags at both city and county levels. These renovations are seen as vital for the team's long-term presence in Portland, especially under the watch of prospective owner Tom Dundon.
Adelman's connection to Rip City runs deep. His father, Rick Adelman, not only coached the Blazers from 1989-94 but also played for Portland in the early '70s. For the Adelmans, keeping the team in Portland is more than just business-it's personal.
“I know there’s a lot to that, I know there’s financial things to it,” David Adelman acknowledged. “That’s not my department.
Emotionally, I just know what this place is and what it means to have a professional basketball team here. It’s not just something to go hang out at.
It’s something to go and be a part of. I hope this team maintains what’s going on here.”
In a city where basketball is woven into the fabric of everyday life, the Blazers are more than just a team-they're part of the community's identity. Adelman's words resonate with fans who share the same hope: that Portland remains Rip City, now and always.