Kevin Martin said the Rockets would be hurt by the decision to let Adelman go after four seasons as the Rockets coach.

“I’m kind of speechless,” Martin said. “To be losing a coach of his caliber, and also losing a lot of good coaches, a lot of good people, it’s very hard.

“I think we lost one of the greatest coaches of all time. We took a step backwards. It’s like losing a great player. You see what happens. But for now, we took a step backwards.”

Rockets point guard and co-captain Kyle Lowry echoed Martin's thoughts on the move.

"For me personally, it’s very upsetting,” Lowry said. “It’s a business. Coach and management I guess could not get on same page. It’s hard hitting.

“He’s one of the best coaches I’ve ever had personally and I’m sure my teammates feel same way. He’s a great motivator, a great players’ coach. He understood the game and players and how to get through to us.”