Adelman Officially Handed Reins Of Rockets

HOUSTON (AP) -- The Houston Rockets Wednesday introduced Rick Adelman as their new coach.<br/><br/>Adelman's two-week courtship began before coach Jeff Van Gundy was fired late last week.<br/><br/>Adelman

Wednesday, May 23rd 2007, 5:11 pm

By: News On 6

HOUSTON (AP) -- The Houston Rockets Wednesday introduced Rick Adelman as their new coach.

Adelman's two-week courtship began before coach Jeff Van Gundy was fired late last week.

Adelman arrived in Houston from Portland, Oregon, where he's lived since the Sacramento Kings decided not to renew his contract after the 2005-06 season.

The Rockets went 52-30 last season -- their best record in 10 years.

But Houston never advanced to the second round of the playoffs in Van Gundy's four seasons.

More was expected from a team anchored by All-Stars Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming.

Owner Les Alexander admits he grew impatient waiting for his team to make a deep postseason run under Van Gundy.

Adelman has led teams beyond the first round seven times in 14 postseason appearances, including two trips to the NBA finals in his first three seasons at Portland.