- Don Nelson, the NBA's three-time Coach of the Year and a five-time champion, has died at the age of 86, his family said in a statement.
- Nelson's family confirmed the news in a statement that did not say where he died or provide a cause.
- On Sunday morning our beloved husband, dad, grandfather and great-grandfather Don Nelson peacefully went to be with the Lord, surrounded by his loving family.
- Nelson played 11 of his 14 seasons with the Boston Celtics, winning five NBA championships before going on to coach after he retired.
- Over his 30-year career, he coached four teams, including the Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks.
- He introduced what is now known as the point forward, and his up-tempo style of offense created a buzz.
- He drafted Stephen Curry and was credited with helping build the Warriors' ascent.
- He retired as the NBA's career coaching wins leader with 1,335 wins.
- He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012.
Don Nelson, who passed away at 86, was a transformative figure in the NBA, winning five championships as a player and becoming the second-winningest coach in history with 1,335 wins.1
"Don Nelson was a true original whose impact on the Dallas Mavericks and the game of basketball will endure for generations," said Mavericks Governor Patrick Dumont.
Nelson's coaching career spanned over 30 years, during which he led the Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, and Dallas Mavericks, also serving as general manager for all three teams.
He was a three-time Coach of the Year and made the playoffs 18 times in 31 seasons.
Known for introducing the point forward position and an up-tempo style of play, Nelson's influence can be traced back to his playing days under Celtics legend Red Auerbach.6
His innovative strategies helped shape modern basketball, particularly during his time with the Golden State Warriors, where he mentored rookie Stephen Curry.
"He brought an unmistakable personality to everything he did, and his impact on our sport will continue to be felt for generations," said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.
Nelson was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012, solidifying his legacy as one of the sport's greats.9
“Nelson retired with 1,335 career coaching wins, a record he held for nearly 12 years before Gregg Popovich surpassed it. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012 and received the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award in 2025.”
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