Last Updated on October 13, 2026 by Orlando Bloom
David Adelman is an American professional basketball coach who serves as the head coach of the Denver Nuggets in the NBA. Born on May 15, 1981, in Salem, Oregon, Adelman comes from one of basketball’s most recognizable coaching families. He is the son of legendary NBA coach Rick Adelman, who was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021. After spending several years as an assistant coach, David was appointed Denver’s full-time head coach in May 2025, continuing his family’s remarkable basketball legacy.
David Adelman’s wife is Jenny Adelman, whom he married in 2011. The couple have two children, a son named Leonard Joseph Adelman, commonly known as L.J., and a daughter named Lennan Marie Adelman. His parents are the late Rick Adelman and Mary Kay Adelman, while his five siblings are Kathy Adelman Naro, R.J. Adelman, Laura Adelman, Caitlin Adelman and Patrick Adelman. Several members of the family have pursued basketball coaching careers, making the Adelmans a notable multigenerational family in American basketball.
David Adelman’s Wife: Who Is Jenny Adelman?
David Adelman is married to Jenny Adelman, who has supported him throughout his professional basketball coaching career.
The couple married in 2011, when David was working as the head basketball coach at Lincoln High School in Portland, Oregon.
Their marriage coincided with an important turning point in his professional career.
According to a June 2025 article published by The Denver Gazette, David’s father, Rick Adelman, attended the wedding and informed Lincoln High School athletic director Jeff Peeler that he intended to recruit his son to work with him in the NBA.
Rick had recently accepted the head coaching position with the Minnesota Timberwolves and believed David was ready to advance beyond high school basketball.
Shortly afterward, David joined Minnesota’s coaching staff as a player-development coach, beginning a professional journey that eventually led him to the Denver Nuggets.
Jenny supported her husband throughout his time with the Timberwolves, Orlando Magic and Nuggets.
Although she maintains a relatively private lifestyle, Jenny has occasionally participated in interviews discussing the responsibilities of raising children while married to an NBA coach.
Jenny Adelman’s Role in the Denver Nuggets Community
Jenny Adelman became more publicly involved with the Denver Nuggets organization after her husband was appointed head coach in May 2025.
In December 2025, The Denver Gazette published an interview with Jenny and Allie Tenzer, the wife of Nuggets basketball executive Ben Tenzer.
The two women discussed their efforts to strengthen relationships among the wives, partners and family members of people working for the franchise.
As part of the initiative, they helped organize gatherings for members of the Nuggets community.
These activities included a Thanksgiving-season brunch and a family event featuring games, music, food and opportunities for children to spend time together.
Jenny also expressed interest in expanding the group’s charitable activities, including supporting community organizations and local families.
The initiative reflected her desire to create a welcoming environment for families adjusting to the demanding NBA schedule.
During the interview, Jenny explained that coaches and team executives frequently spend extended periods traveling, leaving their partners responsible for maintaining stability at home.
She emphasized the importance of having a supportive household so family members could enjoy their time together when the team returned from road trips.
David publicly acknowledged the sacrifices made by his wife and other partners of NBA employees.
He explained that professional basketball involves working during holidays and weekends, making family support essential.
As of now, David and Jenny Adelman remain married and are raising their two children together.
David Adelman’s Children: Meet His Son and Daughter
David Adelman has two children with his wife, Jenny: a son named Leonard Joseph Adelman and a daughter named Lennan Marie Adelman.
Their names are confirmed in the Denver Nuggets’ official 2025–26 media guide.
Both children have attended Nuggets games and have participated in family celebrations associated with their father’s basketball career.
Leonard Joseph “L.J.” Adelman: David Adelman’s Son
Leonard Joseph Adelman, commonly called L.J., is the son of David and Jenny Adelman.
He was born during the 2013–14 NBA season, when David was working with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
His name carries an important connection to the Adelman family.
According to a 2014 Fox Sports family profile, L.J. was named in honor of an earlier generation of the Adelman family, reflecting the importance of maintaining family traditions.
L.J. grew up surrounded by professional basketball because of his father’s coaching responsibilities.
From an early age, he attended games, met players and experienced activities associated with NBA organizations.
In a January 2023 interview with journalist Kerry Eggers, David explained that his son enjoyed attending Nuggets home games with his mother and younger sister.
However, Adelman emphasized that he did not want his children to feel obligated to pursue basketball careers.
He wanted them to enjoy being part of his professional life while developing their own interests.
L.J. was also present during one of the family’s most memorable basketball celebrations.
On June 12, 2023, he joined his father on the court after the Denver Nuggets defeated the Miami Heat to win their first NBA championship.
Photographs from the celebration showed David alongside L.J. and his daughter as they celebrated the historic victory.
Although he occasionally appears at basketball events, L.J.’s personal life remains largely private.
Lennan Marie Adelman: David Adelman’s Daughter
Lennan Marie Adelman is David and Jenny Adelman’s daughter and their younger child.
Her name is confirmed in the Denver Nuggets’ official media guide, although some informal reports spell it Lennon.
Like her older brother, Lennan has grown up surrounded by professional basketball.
She regularly attended Nuggets home games during her father’s years as an assistant coach.
In a 2023 interview, David explained that both children enjoyed being at the arena and participating in basketball-related family activities.
Lennan also attended Denver’s championship celebration in June 2023, joining her father and brother on the court after the Nuggets won the NBA Finals.
Beyond watching basketball, she has participated in dance activities.
In December 2025, The Denver Gazette reported that Jenny had watched their daughter perform during halftime of a Nuggets game against the Houston Rockets.
The appearance provided another example of how the Adelman children remain involved in the broader Nuggets community.
Although her father is a prominent NBA coach, Lennan’s parents generally maintain privacy regarding her education and everyday activities.
David Adelman’s Parents: Meet His Father and Mother
David Adelman was born to Rick Adelman and Mary Kay Adelman in Salem, Oregon.
His father established one of the most successful coaching careers in NBA history, while his mother helped raise six children and supported the family throughout decades of professional basketball.
Growing up in this environment gave David a unique understanding of the responsibilities and demands associated with coaching at the highest level.
Rick Adelman: David Adelman’s Father
Rick Adelman was David Adelman’s father, a former NBA player and Hall of Fame basketball coach.
Born on June 16, 1946, in Lynwood, California, Rick played college basketball at Loyola Marymount University before entering the NBA.
He was selected in the 1968 NBA Draft and played professionally for teams including the San Diego Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers, Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Jazz and Kansas City-Omaha Kings.
After retiring as a player, Rick began his coaching career at Chemeketa Community College in Oregon.
He subsequently joined the Portland Trail Blazers as an assistant coach before becoming the franchise’s head coach in 1989.
During his tenure in Portland, he guided the Trail Blazers to the NBA Finals in 1990 and 1992.
He later coached the Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Over 23 seasons as an NBA head coach, Rick accumulated 1,042 regular-season victories, establishing himself among the winningest coaches in league history.
He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021.
In 2023, he received the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Basketball Coaches Association.
How Rick Adelman Influenced David’s Coaching Career
Rick Adelman played an important role in developing his son’s understanding of basketball.
David grew up attending NBA games and watching his father work with professional players.
During Rick’s years with the Portland Trail Blazers, David spent considerable time around the team and became familiar with the responsibilities of professional coaches.
In a January 2023 interview with Kerry Eggers, David recalled an experience from the 1991 Western Conference Finals when he was approximately ten years old.
While working as a ball boy, David was invited by Magic Johnson to assist with a stretching exercise before a game.
The experience demonstrated how closely his childhood was connected to the NBA.
However, Rick did not pressure his children to become professional coaches.
David explained that his father allowed him to explore basketball without making him feel obligated to follow the same career path.
After beginning his coaching career at the high school level, David eventually joined Rick’s Minnesota Timberwolves staff in 2011.
Working alongside his father gave him valuable experience with NBA player development and professional coaching strategies.
Rick retired from coaching in 2014, but he continued following David’s career.
In June 2025, Rick told The Denver Gazette that he was proud of his son’s development and believed he was prepared to lead the Nuggets.
What Happened to David Adelman’s Father?
Rick Adelman died on June 1, 2026, at the age of 79.
His death was announced by the National Basketball Coaches Association, which recognized his achievements as a player, coach and mentor.
Rick was survived by his wife, Mary Kay, and five living children. His son R.J. had died in 2018.
His death came approximately one year after David became the Denver Nuggets’ permanent head coach.
Rick had watched his son guide Denver to 54 victories during the 2025–26 regular season, making them the first father-son combination in NBA history to each record at least 50 wins in a season as head coaches.
In a June 2026 interview with journalist Kerry Eggers, David reflected on his father’s dedication to both basketball and family.
He described Rick as a loving and attentive parent whose ability to balance professional responsibilities with family life had become even more impressive to him after becoming a father himself.
Rick’s influence remains an important part of David’s coaching philosophy and family identity.
Mary Kay Adelman: David Adelman’s Mother
Mary Kay Adelman is David Adelman’s mother and the widow of Hall of Fame coach Rick Adelman.
She married Rick in 1970, and the couple shared 56 years of marriage before his death in June 2026.
Mary Kay helped raise a family of six children while her husband worked in professional basketball.
Because Rick coached for several NBA organizations, the family experienced the demanding schedules and relocations associated with professional sports.
Despite those challenges, Mary Kay maintained a supportive family environment.
Her responsibilities included raising children, managing household activities and maintaining stability during the basketball season.
In 1993, Mary Kay and Rick adopted two children, Caitlin and Patrick, following the death of Mary Kay’s sister in a vehicle accident.
The decision expanded their family and demonstrated their commitment to supporting relatives during a difficult period.
Mary Kay also attended important basketball events involving her husband and children.
During Rick’s coaching career, she supported him through both successful seasons and difficult professional transitions.
In June 2026, David publicly emphasized his mother’s importance to the family’s achievements.
Speaking with Kerry Eggers after his father’s death, he explained that Mary Kay had been essential to Rick’s ability to sustain such a demanding coaching career.
He credited her support, determination and understanding of NBA life with helping the family remain connected throughout the years.
Mary Kay remains an important figure in the extended Adelman family, which includes numerous grandchildren.
David Adelman’s Siblings: Meet His Brothers and Sisters
David Adelman grew up in a family of six children. His five siblings are Kathy Adelman Naro, R.J. Adelman, Laura Adelman, Caitlin Adelman and Patrick Adelman.
Four children were born to Rick and Mary Kay, while Caitlin and Patrick were adopted in 1993.
Several siblings pursued careers connected to basketball, including coaching, scouting and athletic administration.
Kathy Adelman Naro: David Adelman’s Older Sister
Kathy Adelman Naro is David Adelman’s oldest sister and a successful high school basketball coach in Oregon.
She followed the family’s basketball tradition by becoming involved in coaching girls’ basketball.
Kathy worked with programs including Jesuit High School and Beaverton High School in the Portland metropolitan area.
During her coaching career, she helped develop numerous young athletes and achieved considerable success in Oregon high school basketball.
In 2022, she led Beaverton High School to the Oregon Class 6A girls’ basketball state championship.
Her achievements established her as a respected high school coach independently of her father’s NBA reputation.
Kathy is married to basketball coach John Naro, who has also worked with high school programs in Oregon.
The couple have three daughters, Mary Kay, Mackenzie and Maddie, who pursued college basketball opportunities.
According to NBA reporting published in June 2023, Mary Kay and Mackenzie played at Boise State University, while Maddie was preparing to attend Santa Clara University.
Kathy has maintained a close relationship with David and their father throughout their coaching careers.
Her success also helped demonstrate that the Adelman family’s basketball influence extends into women’s basketball.
R.J. Adelman: David Adelman’s Late Older Brother
R.J. Adelman was David Adelman’s older brother and a former NBA coach, scout and basketball executive.
Born in 1973, R.J. grew up surrounded by professional basketball as his father developed his NBA coaching career.
He followed Rick into basketball operations and worked for several NBA organizations.
His professional experience included positions with the Seattle SuperSonics, Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves.
During his career, R.J. worked in scouting, coaching and player personnel administration.
He also served as director of player personnel for the Timberwolves while Rick was the team’s head coach.
The opportunity allowed R.J. and David to work in the same NBA organization as their father.
In April 2014, Minnesota Timberwolves reporting highlighted the unusual family connection involving Rick and his two sons.
Unfortunately, R.J. died in 2018 after being struck by a vehicle while walking in Houston, Texas.
He was 44 years old.
His death deeply affected the Adelman family.
During Denver’s 2023 NBA championship celebrations, David publicly acknowledged his late brother while reflecting on the importance of the achievement.
He explained that the championship held special meaning because of the family’s many years working in professional basketball.
R.J.’s contributions to the NBA remain part of the Adelman family’s sporting legacy.
Laura Adelman: David Adelman’s Sister
Laura Adelman is another of David Adelman’s sisters and one of the four children born to Rick and Mary Kay Adelman.
She grew up alongside her siblings during her father’s years working in professional basketball.
Unlike David, Kathy and R.J., Laura has maintained a comparatively private professional life.
Her name appears in family profiles and public statements issued following Rick Adelman’s death in June 2026.
However, reliable public reporting provides limited information about her current occupation, education and personal activities.
Laura has remained connected to the extended Adelman family, whose members frequently gather for important celebrations and sporting occasions.
Caitlin Adelman: David Adelman’s Adopted Sister
Caitlin Adelman is David Adelman’s adopted sister and a member of the family raised by Rick and Mary Kay Adelman.
She was adopted in 1993 following the death of her biological mother, who was Mary Kay’s sister.
This means Caitlin is also David’s biological cousin through his mother’s family.
Rick and Mary Kay welcomed Caitlin and her brother Patrick into their household, raising them alongside their four other children.
According to a June 2023 article published by NBA.com, the adoption followed a tragic vehicle accident that resulted in their mother’s death.
The family’s decision ensured that the children could remain surrounded by relatives and receive long-term support.
Caitlin has generally maintained a private life away from the attention surrounding her father’s and brother’s NBA careers.
Although her professional background is not extensively documented, her relationship with David and the Adelman family is confirmed in multiple established sources.
Patrick Adelman: David Adelman’s Adopted Brother
Patrick Adelman, also known as Pat Adelman, is David Adelman’s adopted brother and another member of the family involved in basketball coaching.
Like Caitlin, Patrick was adopted by Rick and Mary Kay in 1993 after the death of his biological mother.
He grew up in Oregon and developed an interest in basketball, following the sporting traditions of the Adelman family.
Patrick eventually became involved in coaching at the collegiate and high school levels.
His early coaching experience included working at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon.
He subsequently coached boys’ basketball at Lincoln High School in Portland, the same school where David had previously served as head coach.
In 2018, Patrick helped lead Lincoln to the Oregon Class 6A state semifinals.
His career demonstrates how several members of the Adelman family have pursued basketball coaching independently.
Although Patrick has not held the same high-profile NBA position as David, he has contributed to developing young basketball players through high school and college programs.
David Adelman’s Childhood and Family Basketball Background
David Adelman was born on May 15, 1981, in Salem, Oregon, and grew up in the Portland metropolitan area.
His childhood coincided with his father’s emergence as a successful NBA coach.
During the 1980s and early 1990s, Rick Adelman worked with the Portland Trail Blazers, giving David opportunities to experience professional basketball from an early age.
He frequently attended practices and games, observed coaching discussions and became familiar with the responsibilities of working in an NBA organization.
However, his parents encouraged him to develop his own interests rather than requiring him to pursue basketball professionally.
David attended Jesuit High School in Beaverton, Oregon, where he played basketball and helped the school win a state championship in 1999.
He later attended the University of Portland and earned a history degree from Southern New Hampshire University.
His interest in coaching developed during his college years, eventually leading him back to Jesuit High School as an assistant coach.
The family’s commitment to education, basketball and maintaining close relationships helped shape his approach to leadership.
How David Adelman’s Family Influenced His Coaching Career
David Adelman began his coaching career as an assistant at Jesuit High School before becoming head coach at Lincoln High School in 2006.
During five seasons at Lincoln, he compiled an 83–53 record and led the program to three Portland Interscholastic League district championships.
His success attracted attention from professional basketball organizations, including the Minnesota Timberwolves.
In 2011, he joined Minnesota’s coaching staff under his father, Rick.
He remained with the Timberwolves after Rick retired and subsequently worked with head coaches Flip Saunders and Sam Mitchell.
In 2016, David joined the Orlando Magic as an assistant under Frank Vogel.
He moved to Denver in 2017, becoming part of Michael Malone’s coaching staff.
During his years as a Nuggets assistant, Adelman helped the franchise develop into an NBA championship contender.
In 2023, he was part of Denver’s coaching staff when the Nuggets defeated the Miami Heat to win their first championship.
The achievement carried special significance because his father had spent decades coaching in the NBA without winning a championship as a head coach.
David celebrated the title with Jenny and their two children, while also acknowledging his parents and siblings.
After Michael Malone’s dismissal in April 2025, David became Denver’s interim head coach.
He guided the Nuggets through the remainder of the season and into the second round of the playoffs.
On May 22, 2025, the organization officially appointed him the franchise’s 17th head coach.
During the 2025–26 NBA season, Adelman led Denver to a 54–28 regular-season record.
The achievement represented an important milestone for his coaching career and strengthened the historical connection between his accomplishments and those of his father.
Although Rick died in June 2026, David continues carrying forward the family’s basketball tradition as Denver’s head coach.
Frequently Asked Questions About David Adelman’s Family
Who is David Adelman’s wife?
David Adelman’s wife is Jenny Adelman. The couple married in 2011 and have two children together.
Is David Adelman married?
Yes. David Adelman is married to Jenny Adelman, who has supported him throughout his NBA coaching career.
How many children does David Adelman have?
David Adelman has two children: a son named Leonard Joseph Adelman, known as L.J., and a daughter named Lennan Marie Adelman.
Who is David Adelman’s son?
His son is Leonard Joseph “L.J.” Adelman, who was born during the 2013–14 NBA season.
Who is David Adelman’s daughter?
His daughter is Lennan Marie Adelman, who has attended Nuggets games and participated in the team’s championship celebrations.
Who are David Adelman’s parents?
David Adelman’s parents are the late Rick Adelman, a Hall of Fame NBA coach, and Mary Kay Adelman, who helped raise their six children.
Who was David Adelman’s father?
His father was Rick Adelman, who coached five NBA franchises, recorded 1,042 regular-season victories and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021.
When did David Adelman’s father die?
Rick Adelman died on June 1, 2026, at the age of 79.
Who is David Adelman’s mother?
His mother is Mary Kay Adelman, who was married to Rick Adelman for 56 years and raised six children.
How many siblings does David Adelman have?
David Adelman has five siblings: Kathy Adelman Naro, R.J. Adelman, Laura Adelman, Caitlin Adelman and Patrick Adelman.
What happened to David Adelman’s brother R.J.?
R.J. Adelman died in 2018 at age 44 after being struck by a vehicle while walking in Houston, Texas.
Are Caitlin and Patrick Adelman adopted?
Yes. Rick and Mary Kay Adelman adopted Caitlin and Patrick in 1993 after their biological mother, who was Mary Kay’s sister, died in a vehicle accident.
Who is David Adelman’s sister Kathy?
Kathy Adelman Naro is David’s oldest sister and a successful girls’ high school basketball coach in Oregon. She led Beaverton High School to the 2022 state championship.
How old is David Adelman?
David Adelman was born on May 15, 1981. He is 45 years old as of October 2026.
Which NBA team does David Adelman coach?
David Adelman is the head coach of the Denver Nuggets. He was appointed to the position permanently on May 22, 2025.
Orlando Bloom is a sports journalist and analyst specializing in in-depth NBA coverage, tactical breakdowns, and advanced player analytics. With a passion for professional basketball, he covers everything from trade deadline maneuvers and Draft prospects to team strategies and league-wide trends. Combining detailed stat analysis with game context, Orlando delivers sharp insights and compelling stories for avid basketball fans and casual followers alike.
