Hall of Famer Don Nelson, the second-winningest coach in NBA history, died Sunday. He was 86.
Nelson’s family announced the passing of the five-time champion as a player but didn’t divulge a manner of death.
“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,” the Nelson family statement read. “Throughout his last week, friends and family encircled him with love, sharing the blessing of his friendship and revisiting treasured memories.”
Nelson was the all-time leader with 1,335 regular-season coaching victories when he retired in 2010 and was later surpassed by San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich (1,390). His fast style and use of smaller athletic players became known as “Nellie Ball.”
The three-time Coach of the Year didn’t win any NBA titles during his 31-year overall tenure with the Milwaukee Bucks (1976-87), Golden State Warriors (1988-95, 2006-10), New York Knicks (1995-96) and Dallas Mavericks (1997-2005). But he put together 13 seasons of 50 or more wins, twice reaching 60 (once with the Bucks, once with the Mavericks).
“[Nelson] was a true basketball visionary who saw the game differently and was never afraid to challenge conventional thinking,” the Warriors said in a statement. “His approach helped shape the game and paved the way for generations of players and coaches who followed.
“More than anything, Don Nelson will be remembered for his authenticity, larger-than-life personality, and incredible passion for basketball, and his influence on the Warriors franchise will endure for years to come.”
He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a coach in 2012.
As a player, Nelson won five NBA titles during 11 seasons with the Boston Celtics.
He initially reached the NBA with the Chicago Zephyrs (1962-63) after being the No. 3 overall pick. He then spent two seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers before joining behind a loaded Boston starting five and was one of seven Boston players to average double digits in scoring in 1967-68. He averaged a career best 15.4 points and 7.3 rebounds in 1969-70.
In 134 career playoff games, Nelson averaged 11.1 points and 4.8 rebounds. The Celtics retired his No. 19 jersey in 1978.
In college, Nelson averaged 21.1 points and 10.9 rebounds in 72 games over three seasons at Iowa.
Nelson won the 2025 Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award to honor his overall contributions to basketball.
