Don Nelson, a five-time NBA title holder and second-winningest coach in NBA history, has died at age 86.
Nelson’s family shared the heartbreaking news in a statement that reads: “On Sunday morning our beloved husband, dad, grandfather, and great-grandfather Don Nelson peacefully went to be with the Lord, surrounded by his family.”
“Throughout his last week, friends and family encircled him with love, sharing the blessing of his friendship and revisiting treasured memories,” it continued.
Nelson, former member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, coached 31 seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors (twice), New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks.
Nerlson concluded his regular season career with a record of 1,335-1,063; at the time, he held the all-time record for wins until Gregg Popovich of the Spurs broke it in March 2022.
Nelson took his teams to the playoffs 18 times during his buzzing coaching career.
As a player, Nelson went on to lift NBA championship title five times in 11 seasons while coaching the Boston Celtics.
He hung up his boots in 1978, appearing for 14 NBA seasons with his No. 19.
Soon after his retirement, Nelson opted for the coaching career, signing with the Milwaukee Bucks as an assistant coach for the 1976-77 season.
Nelson, promoted to the position of general manager the following season with Mulwaukee, adopted the fierce approach to the game that became known as “Nellie Ball” during his 31 seasons.
“Nellie Ball” centered on the theme of employing low-key, more athletic players to launch a high-energy offense focused on exploiting mismatches with speed rather than size.
2026-08-10 10:59:00
