National Basketball Coaches Association
Presents the 2026 Tex Winter Assistant Coach Lifetime Impact Award
To NBA Coaching Lifer & Hall Of Famer Bob McAdoo
LAS VEGAS, July 11, 2026—Bob McAdoo, a longtime NBA Assistant Coach and a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, is the recipient of the 2026 Tex Winter Assistant Coach Lifetime Impact Award, the National Basketball Coaches Association (NBCA) announced today.
“Bob McAdoo is one of the true giants of our game,” said J.B. Bickerstaff, Detroit Pistons Head Coach and NBCA President. “A Hall of Fame player, a champion, and an exceptional Coach, Bob has impacted generations of players through his knowledge, humility, and passion for teaching. His influence can be seen in the many players, coaches, and the Heat organization that he helped elevate throughout his coaching career. Congratulations to Coach McAdoo on this well-deserved recognition.”
“I am grateful, honored and humbled to have been selected by the NBCA Selection Committee for the 2026 Tex Winter Assistant Coach Lifetime Impact Award,” said Coach Bob McAdoo. “One never receives this type of award by oneself. I’d like to thank my wife Patrizia and family for all their love and support. I will be forever grateful to Pat Riley who took me on as an assistant coach for a fantastic NBA journey together. Thanks also to the Arison Family and the HEAT organization who have made an impact on my life both professionally and personally.”
Bob McAdoo’s impact on the NBA extends far beyond his Hall of Fame playing career. Following his retirement as one of the game’s greatest scorers, McAdoo began his coaching journey with the Miami Heat in 1995. McAdoo served as an Assistant Coach for 19 years with the Miami Heat working with Head Coaches Pat Riley, Stan Van Gundy, and Erik Spoelstra. Widely respected for his work with frontcourt players and his ability to teach offensive efficiency, McAdoo played a key role in the development of numerous All-Stars and Hall of Fame players, including Alonzo Mourning, Tim Hardaway, Shaquille O’Neal, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, and Ray Allen. During his tenure on the Miami bench, the Heat reached the NBA Finals five times and won three NBA Championships (2006, 2012, and 2013).
Prior to coaching, McAdoo was selected second overall in the 1972 NBA Draft by the Buffalo Braves, with whom he played 4 of his 14 NBA seasons. As a player, McAdoo authored one of the most accomplished careers in professional basketball history. He was named NBA Rookie of the Year in 1973 before emerging as one of the league’s most dominant offensive forces and one of the first true stretch big men in NBA history. Bob would later win three consecutive NBA scoring titles from 1974-1976, earned five straight NBA All-Star selections, and won the 1975 NBA Most Valuable Player Award. McAdoo also won NBA Championships with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1982 and 1985, won Euro-League Championships with Olimpia Milano in 1987, and 1988 and was later named one of the 50 greatest Euro-League Contributors in 2008.
“Behind every successful team are countless Assistant Coaches whose contributions often go unseen but are deeply valued by the players and organizations they serve,” said David Fogel, NBCA Executive Director and General Counsel. “Throughout his coaching career, Coach McAdoo served as a teacher, mentor, and trusted advisor to generations of players and coaches while helping build championship teams. His career embodies the excellence, integrity, and commitment to the game that the Tex Winter Award represents. Congratulations to Coach McAdoo on this well-deserved honor.”
In 19 seasons of NBA coaching, McAdoo went to the playoffs 16 times, won 50 or more games nine times, and reached the NBA Finals five times. In total, he coached over 1,500 NBA games with a record of 880-630 (.583).
McAdoo’s contributions to basketball have been recognized at the highest levels of the sport. He was enshrined by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2000), elected to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team (2021), and was also inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame (1993); the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame (1993); the College Basketball Hall of Fame (2006); and the Olimpia Milano Hall of Fame (2013).
The NBCA Tex Winter Lifetime Impact Award honors the tremendous achievements and commitment of Hall of Famer Tex Winter. During his outstanding NBA coaching career, Winter set a standard of innovation, integrity, competitive excellence, loyalty, and tireless promotion of NBA basketball.
The award is selected annually by the NBCA Selection Committee, comprising some of the most respected coaches and executives in the game, including, Hubie Brown, Rick Carlisle, Doug Collins, Wayne Embry, Danny Ferry, Mike Fratello, George Karl, Doc Rivers, and Rod Thorn.
This year’s nominees included Assistant Coaches Bob Beyer, Dan Burke, Jeff Bzdelik, Gordon Chiesa, Jim Eyen, Brian Hill, Jim Lynam, Brendan Suhr, Bob Weiss, and John Wetzel.
Prior recipients are Maurice Cheeks (2025), Hank Egan (2024), Brendan Malone (2023), Ron Adams (2022), Dick Helm (2021), Bill Bertka (2019), Tim Grgurich (2018), Ron Rothstein (2017), and Phil Johnson (2016).
About the NBCA: The National Basketball Coaches Association (NBCA) is the labor organization that represents basketball coaches in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Founded in 1976 by legendary Boston Celtics player and coach, Tommy Heinsohn, the NBCA consists of all NBA Head Coaches, Assistant Coaches, and alumni, and works closely with the NBA on all matters that pertain to the coaching profession.
Contact: David Fogel, NBCA Executive Director and General Counsel, 212-424-0100, ext. 28, david.fogel@nbacoaches.com