David Adelman knows what the [Trail Blazers](https://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/) mean to Portland.
The first-year Denver Nuggets coach grew up in the city. A Jesuit High School alum, Adelman got his start in coaching as an assistant with the Crusaders.
Prior to Friday night’s game in Moda Center between Portland and Denver, Adelman was asked about his favorite memories of coming to Blazer games as a child. The Nuggets coach took the opportunity to implore those involved to keep the franchise from moving elsewhere.
“This was the best place to grow up,” Adelman said. “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. (The team leaving) would be crushing for this community.”
The Blazers are not at immediate risk of leaving Portland. But the potential funding for major renovations to Moda Center [currently rests with state legislators](https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2026/02/moda-center-funding-bill-introduced-in-salem-with-few-specifics-broad-support-from-top-democrats.html), and could face hurdles at the city and county levels as well. Renovations are viewed as crucial for the team’s future in the city under future owner Tom Dundon.
Adelman’s father, Rick, coached the Blazers from 1989-94 and played for Portland from 1970-73. Rip City keeping its team is personal for their family.
“I know there’s a lot to that, I know there’s financial things to it,” David Adelman 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. It’s not just something to go hang out at. It’s something go and be a part of. I hope this team maintains what’s going on here.”