Nuggets coach David Adelman has a deep connection with the Trail Blazers, a bond that goes beyond the court. Growing up in Portland, he watched his father, Rick Adelman, guide the Blazers to two Finals appearances in the early '90s. Though the team hasn't reached those heights since, the city remains close to his heart.
Recently, the Blazers' future has become a hot topic, with discussions about potential relocation due to the need for significant public funding to renovate the Moda Center. The franchise is seeking around $600 million from Oregon lawmakers to upgrade the arena, a move that's stirred debate far beyond the basketball community.
Adelman is adamant that the team should stay put. "This was the best place to grow up," he shared.
"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.
Losing the team would be crushing for this community."
His perspective isn't just nostalgic; it's rooted in a genuine understanding of what the Blazers mean to Portland. For Adelman, the Blazers are more than just a source of entertainment-they're an integral part of the community fabric.
While he acknowledges the complexities involved in the financial aspects, Adelman emphasizes the emotional connection. "I know there’s a lot to that, I know there’s financial things to it," he said.
"That’s not my department. Emotionally, I just know what this place is and what it means to have a professional basketball team here."
He hopes the team can maintain its presence and continue to be a vital part of the community. "It’s not just something to go hang out at," he added. "It’s something to go and be a part of."
Adelman's passionate plea underscores the significance of the Blazers to Portland-a city that, in his eyes, deserves to keep its beloved team.