Adelman Named Kings Coach

After signing two players with off-court problems, the Sacramento Kings on Thursday named a new coach, Rick Adelman, who has a track record of dealing with troubled stars.

Adelman,

"Everything looks good as far as the conversations we've had," Adelman told The Sacramento Bee before the announcement. "However, I've been through enough things in the NBA that I'd rather wait until everything is signed, sealed and delivered before I talk about anything."

The coaching job had been vacant since Aug. 18, when the Kings fired Eddie Jordan, who left with a 33-64 career record. The Kings never have had a winning season in Sacramento.

Adelman earned high marks for his ability to work with problem players, such as Golden State's Latrell Sprewell and Portland's Rod Strickland.

The Kings have gambled on two talented players with off-court problems, Chris Webber and Jason Williams.

Webber is awaiting trial on charges of marijuana possession, second-degree assault and resisting arrest stemming from a traffic stop in Maryland. On a promotional tour last month, Webber was fined in Puerto Rico for having marijuana in his luggage.

Williams was thrown off the Florida Gators squad for unspecified team rule violations. Gators coach Billy Donovan said he had "an unacceptable attitude in practice and in games."

Adelman is being reunited with Geoff Petrie, the Kings vice president, who was Portland's senior vice president of operations when Adelman coached the Trail Blazers. The two also played together in the Portland backcourt from 1970-1973.

"I have absolutely no reservations in his ability to coach or in his qualities as a person," Petrie said. "Rick's statistics, even going back to his community college days when he was a novice, in terms of wins and loses are as high as any coach available in the NBA."

In six seasons with Portland (1988-94) and two with Golden State (1995-97), Adelman was 357-252. In 1990-91, Portland went 63-19 but lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference finals.

Adelman, 53, had two seasons left on a four-year, $4 million contract with Golden State when he was fired as a new owner acquired the team after the 1996-97 season. He was paid $1 million last season.

The Kings had narrowed the pool of candidates to Adelman and Charlotte assistant coach Paul Silas. Adelman also was in the running for the coaching job at Portland State.

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