NBA legend Don Nelson dies at 86

Don Nelson, a towering figure in basketball history and a Hall of Fame coach, has died at the age of 86, his family announced. Nelson's illustrious career spanned over three decades, leaving an indelible mark on the NBA.

As a coach, Nelson recorded 1,335 regular-season victories, a total surpassed only by Gregg Popovich. His coaching tenure included stints with the Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, and Dallas Mavericks. While he never won a championship as a head coach, he led the Warriors to a stunning upset over the top-seeded Dallas Mavericks in the 2007 playoffs and guided the Bucks to seven consecutive division titles.

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Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather Don Nelson has passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family.

Nelson's impact extended beyond wins and losses. The Golden State Warriors, in a statement, hailed him as "one of the most innovative and influential coaches in NBA history" and a "defining figure for the Warriors." They noted his "forward-thinking approach" and his willingness to "challenge traditional thinking," stating his methods helped shape the sport for future generations.

Before his coaching career, Nelson was a formidable player. He spent 11 seasons with the Boston Celtics, contributing to five NBA championships. The Celtics retired his No. 19 jersey in honor of his significant contributions to the team's success. His passing marks the end of an era for a coach known for his unique strategies and profound influence on the game.

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Old Man Nelson was one of the most innovative and influential coaches in NBA history and a defining figure for the Warriors. He was a basketball visionary with a unique perspective on the game and was never afraid to challenge traditional thinking. His coaching style helped shape the sport and laid the groundwork for generations of players and coaches to come.