Rick Adelman becomes eighth coach to 1,000 wins

Apr 6, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Rick Adelman and his wife Mary Kay Adelman after getting his 100th career win as a head coach against the Detroit Pistons at Target Center. The Timberwolves won 107-101. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

A well-deserved honor.

Nearing the end of his 22nd season in the NBA, Timberwolves head coach Rick Adelman’s journey to 1,000 wins unfolded much later than expected.

The Timberwolves defeated the Detroit Pistons 107-101 Saturday night, marking the long-awaited milestone. Adelman, who started the season with 971 career victories as an NBA head coach, thought he would get to the milestone a much quicker.

On paper, Adelman’s squad was stacked with young talent that included Ricky Rubio, Kevin Love, Chase Budinger, Nikola Pekovic and others. But the team was hit with continuous injuries all season, which cleared way for another disappointing season.

Love has been limited to 18 games this season and Roy lasted only five. Pekovic missed a handful of games and Budginer did not return to the court until recently.

This season could perhaps be Adelman’s final season, as he will reportedly decide on retirement depending on the health of his wife Mary Kay.