Overview
- His family said Friday that he died Thursday at age 87, and the Orlando Magic issued a statement of condolence.
- Adubato worked for the Magic as assistant coach from 1994 to 1997, served as interim head coach in 1997, then was the team’s radio analyst from 2005 to 2020.
- He led the New York Liberty from 1999 to 2004 with a 100–78 record and three WNBA Finals appearances, later coaching the Washington Mystics from 2005 to 2007.
- His NBA path included an assistant role with the Pistons in 1978–79, an interim stint as Detroit’s head coach the next season, and the Dallas Mavericks head job from 1989 to 1993, with additional stops at the Knicks and Cavaliers.
- The NBA noted his four-decade impact in a public tribute, while his daughter remembered him for warmth and humor; no cause of death was disclosed.