Don Nelson, who left his mark on American basketball history as a player with the Boston Celtics and later as a coach, died on Sunday at the age of 86, his family announced.
Nelson was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012 and remained one of the most iconic coaches in the North American league. He coached for 31 seasons, mainly with the Golden State Warriors (1988-1995 and 2006-2010), the Milwaukee Bucks (1976-1987) and the Dallas Mavericks (1997-2005).
Three-time Coach of the Year
With 1,335 wins on the bench, Nelson held the record for most victories in NBA history for a time, before being surpassed by Gregg Popovich in 2022. He was named Coach of the Year three times, in 1983, 1985 and 1992, but never managed to lead a team to the finals despite 18 playoff appearances.
Nelson did experience the glory of a championship, but as a player. He won five titles, in 1966, 1968, 1969, 1974 and 1976, with the Celtics, who retired his number 19 jersey.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr, quoted in a statement from his team, said Nelson was a true innovator, and that much of what is now considered standard in the modern NBA has its roots in the way Nelson approached the sport.
A key figure in Stephen Curry's career
Nelson was known for favoring a faster, more spectacular style of play built around perimeter players. He also contributed to the development of future MVPs Dirk Nowitzki and Stephen Curry.
Nowitzki reacted on X, saying Nelson had believed in him and had seen possibilities in his game before he himself realized he was capable of them. Nowitzki said he had said it a million times and would keep saying it, that he did not think his career could have taken the path it did without Nelson, his first coach, who gave him the freedom to play his own way. Nowitzki said all he could say was thank you, for everything.
Nelson also won the 1994 World Championship at the helm of a United States national team nicknamed "Dream Team II," which included Shaquille O'Neal, Reggie Miller and Dominique Wilkins.
