NBA Hall of Famer Don Nelson dies at 86

Don Nelson, a legendary figure in basketball known for his five NBA championships as a player with the Boston Celtics and his pioneering coaching career, has died at 86. His family announced his passing on Sunday.

Nelson's impact on the NBA spanned nearly five decades. As a player, he was a key member of the Celtics' dynasty from 1966 to 1976, earning five championship rings. The Celtics later retired his jersey number 19.

“

Don Nelson revolutionized NBA basketball through his fearlessness, ingenuity and deep conviction. He spent nearly 50 years in the NBA -– winning five championships as a player with the Boston Celtics before building one of the most successful and pioneering coaching careers in league history. He brought an unmistakable personality to everything he did, and his impact on our sport will continue to be felt for generations.

Transitioning to coaching, Nelson amassed a remarkable record of 1,335-1,063 wins, a mark that stood as the NBA record until Gregg Popovich surpassed it in 2022. He led the Golden State Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, and Dallas Mavericks during his extensive coaching tenure from 1976 to 2010.

“

The Golden State Warriors mourn the passing of Hall of Fame head coach Don Nelson. ‘Nellie’ was one of the most innovative and influential coaches in NBA history and an iconic figure in Warriors history… 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.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver lauded Nelson's "fearlessness, ingenuity and deep conviction," stating that he "revolutionized NBA basketball." Silver added, "He brought an unmistakable personality to everything he did, and his impact on our sport will continue to be felt for generations."

Steve Kerr, the current head coach of the Golden State Warriors, echoed these sentiments, calling Nelson a "true innovator" whose influence is still evident in the modern NBA. "He consistently challenged conventional thinking, experimented with different lineups and styles of play, and saw possibilities in the game that others often did not," Kerr said. The Warriors organization also mourned the loss of "Nellie," recognizing him as an "iconic figure" whose "influence on the Warriors franchise will endure for years to come."

“

Don Nelson was a true innovator whose influence on the game of basketball is still felt today. He consistently challenged conventional thinking, experimented with different lineups and styles of play, and saw possibilities in the game that others often did not. So much of what is now commonplace in the modern NBA can be traced back to the way Nellie approached the game.