In a recent episode of ESPN’s Inside the NBA, the Denver Nuggets were a focal point of discussion as they prepared to face the Golden State Warriors in their season opener. During the segment, Shaquille O’Neal made a surprising admission regarding his knowledge of the Nuggets’ new head coach, David Adelman.
Shaq’s Surprise Over Nuggets Coach David Adelman
As the show presented a graphic detailing the Nuggets’ offseason acquisitions, O’Neal expressed his unfamiliarity with Adelman. He mistakenly referred to the head coach as a player. This slip-up prompted laughter from fellow analysts, including Kenny Smith, who quickly corrected him, stating, “He’s a coach, man.”
O’Neal, seemingly unaware of Adelman’s recent promotion, remarked, “I’m not familiar with David Adelman,” which led to further amusement from the panel. Smith’s witty response, “He’s a coach, fool,” highlighted the surprising nature of Shaq’s comment.
Background on David Adelman
David Adelman took over as the interim coach of the Nuggets during the late portion of the 2024-25 season after the unexpected firing of Mike Malone. Following that season, he was confirmed as the full-time head coach.
- Previous Role: Interim Coach (2024-25)
- Coaching Appointment: Full-Time Head Coach (2025 season)
- Family Legacy: Son of Rick Adelman, a respected NBA coach
The NBA Coaching Landscape
Adelman’s history in the league is notable. His father, Rick Adelman, coached for 23 seasons across several teams, including the Portland Trail Blazers and Sacramento Kings. Despite this significant background, O’Neal’s response suggests a need for greater awareness of current coaching figures in the NBA.
During the exchange, O’Neal acknowledged the difficulty of keeping track of the numerous coaches, admitting, “There are 30 NBA teams.” However, this humorous misunderstanding left his colleagues, including Ernie Johnson and Charles Barkley, in stitches.
This lighthearted moment underscores the ever-evolving nature of the NBA landscape and the importance of staying informed about team developments and personnel changes.
