Don Nelson, Hall of Fame coach and five-time Celtics champion, passes away at 86
Don Nelson, a Hall of Fame basketball mind whose innovative strategies reshaped the NBA and who captured five titles as a Boston Celtics player, has died. He was 86.
Don Nelson, a Hall of Fame basketball mind
Don Nelson, a Hall of Fame basketball mind whose innovative strategies reshaped the NBA and who captured five titles as a Boston Celtics player, has died. He was 86.
The Golden State Warriors, a franchise Nelson guided during two separate stints, confirmed his passing on Sunday. No cause of death was immediately provided.
Nelson ranks second all-time in regular-season coaching victories, trailing only Gregg Popovich. His unorthodox approach—from the high-octane 'Nellie Ball' offense to his willingness to experiment with undersized lineups—made him one of the sport's most influential figures behind the bench.
Before his coaching career, Nelson was a rugged
Before his coaching career, Nelson was a rugged forward for the Celtics, contributing to championship squads in the 1960s and early 1970s. His No. 19 jersey was retired by the franchise, and he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012.
As a coach, Nelson nurtured the early careers of future MVPs Dirk Nowitzki in Dallas and Stephen Curry in Golden State, helping mold them into superstars. He also guided the Milwaukee Bucks to seven straight division titles in the 1980s.
Known for his sharp wit and basketball intellect, Nelson amassed 1,335 career wins across Milwaukee, Golden State, New York, and Dallas. His legacy endures in the fast-paced, positionless style now prevalent throughout the league.