Don Nelson, the second-winningest coach in NBA history who won five championships as a player with the Boston Celtics, died Sunday. He was 86.
Nelson’s family confirmed the death 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,” the statement said. “Throughout his last week, friends and family encircled him with love, sharing the blessing of his friendship and revisiting treasured memories.”
Nelson is one of two coaches in NBA history to have at least 250 wins with three different franchises — Milwaukee, Dallas and Golden State — also serving as general manager for all three franchises. He was a three-time coach of the year and made the playoffs 18 times in 31 seasons. He went to the conference finals three times with the Bucks and once with the Mavericks, never winning a title.
Nelson introduced what is now known as the point forward, and his up-tempo style of offense created a buzz. He said the idea of shifting from the dominant big men of the 1970s to an offense focused on speed and the fast break came from his playing days under Celtics Hall of Fame coach Red Auerbach.
“The league really hadn’t seen an offense like the one we were running, and the results were undeniable,” Nelson wrote in 2016 in The Players’ Tribune.
Nelson said that “without Red Auerbach teaching me the mechanics of running the fast break, none of it would have been possible. He deserves all the credit for Nellie Ball, and for how fast the game of basketball is played today.”
Nelson played 11 of his 14 seasons in Boston and was on five Celtics championship teams under four different coaches. He became an assistant coach in Milwaukee after retiring as a player, then took over after coach Larry Costello resigned 18 games into the 1976-77 season. Nelson coached the Bucks for 11 seasons starting in 1976 and won seven straight division titles.
In Nelson’s second season, Milwaukee overcame a 29-point fourth quarter deficit to beat Atlanta 117-115 in regulation.
“I coached the team as though I was still playing for the Celtics, while implementing a few of my own strategies,” Nelson wrote. “I knew I wanted to play unconventional basketball and use speed to my advantage.”
His fast-paced offenses were probably best on display with Golden State in the “Run TMC” era featuring future Hall of Famers Tim Hardaway, Mitch Richmond and Chris Mullin. Nelson said he wanted them on the court at the same time.
Nelson spent 11 seasons over two stints with Golden State. The first one was punctuated by a rift with rookie star Chris Webber, who was traded away a month into his second season. Nelson, demoralized by the trade, missed nine games that season due to illness and resigned under pressure three months later in February 1995.
In between, Nelson was fired after less than one season in New York in 1995-96, then coached in Dallas for eight seasons, missing 21 games with the Mavericks starting in December 2000 to recuperate from prostate cancer surgery.
Nelson’s son, Donnie, joined his father as an assistant coach with the Mavericks in 1998, later became general manager and remained with the organization until 2021. Together they persuaded 20-year-old German star Dirk Nowitzki to pass up European basketball and join the Mavericks. Don Nelson also developed Steve Nash into one of the NBA’s top point guards before Nash went on to win back-to-back MVPs with the Phoenix Suns in 2005 and 2006.
“Don Nelson was a true innovator whose influence on the game of basketball is still felt today,” current Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “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."
At Golden State, Nelson’s “We Believe” Warriors led by Baron Davis upset Nowitzki and the top-seeded Mavericks in the first round of the 2007 playoffs in one of the biggest shockers in NBA history. In his final season as a coach, Nelson mentored rookie Stephen Curry in 2009-10.
“One of the big reasons I was drafted by the Warriors was because of Don Nelson. The story is he never liked rookies, but from Day 1 he challenged me and gave me an opportunity to be my best self on the court,” Curry said in a statement released by the Warriors. “He taught me a lot during our one season together and I’ll never forget the night he became the winningest coach in NBA history in Minnesota. We were so happy for him. He had an immeasurable impact on the sport and will go down as one of the greatest minds in the history of the game.”
Davis added: “When I think of Nellie, I’ll always think of the ‘We Believe’ team and our incredible run in 2007. He understood what made us go and made us believe we could beat anybody, ultimately helping us make history as the first No. 8 seed to defeat a No. 1 seed in a seven-game series. That time in my life and career was truly special, and Nellie was a huge part of making it possible.”
Nelson retired as the NBA’s career coaching wins leader with 1,335, just ahead of Lenny Wilkens’ 1,332. Nelson kept that top spot for nearly 12 years before close friend and now-retired San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich passed him in March 2022.
Nelson was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012. In 2025, he received the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by the National Basketball Coaches Association. Miffed that the Mavericks sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in a blockbuster trade, Nelson wore a pair of Doncic’s signature Jordan Brand sneakers to the awards ceremony. He called the trade a “tremendous mistake.”
Born in Muskegon, Michigan, Nelson attended high school in Rock Island, Illinois, and averaged a double-double in college at Iowa. He spent his retirement years living on the Hawaiian island of Maui and owned several short-term rentals on the island.
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA
FILE - Golden State Warriors' Baron Davis, right, hugs coach Don Nelson in the fourth quarter of an NBA Western Conference first-round basketball playoff game against the Dallas Mavericks in Oakland, Calif., May 3, 2007. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)
FILE - Boston Celtics' Don Nelson (19) goes to the basket against Milwaukee's Cornell Warner (35) during a NBA Championship game, May 12, 1974, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo, File)
FILE - Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Don Nelson speaks during a press conference before Game 2 of the NBA Finals basketball series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, June 8, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips, File)
By The Associated Press (AP) — Notable reaction to the death of Don Nelson, the NBA's second-winningest coach:
“Don Nelson was one of the most innovative and influential coaches in the history of the NBA and an iconic figure in Warriors history. During two memorable stints as head coach, ‘Nellie’ left an indelible mark on our franchise with his approach to the game. From the Run TMC era to the ‘We Believe’ team in 2007, his teams captivated Bay Area basketball fans and created some of the most memorable moments in Warriors history. That 2007 team made NBA history by defeating the 67-win Dallas Mavericks in the first round, overcoming a 25-win regular-season difference that remains the largest ever by a team to win a playoff series.
Don was a true basketball visionary whose impact stretched well beyond Golden State. He saw the game differently and was never afraid to challenge conventional thinking. His approach helped shape the game and paved the way for generations of players and coaches who followed.
More than anything, Nellie will be remembered for his authenticity, larger-than-life personality and incredible passion for basketball. His influence on the Warriors franchise will endure for years to come.
On behalf of the entire Warriors organization, we offer our sincere condolences to his wife, Joy, his family and countless friends.” — Golden State Warriors statement.
“During his 11 seasons as Milwaukee Bucks coach from 1976-87, Nellie won two of his three NBA Coach of the Year awards and established himself as one of the most innovative and visionary leaders in basketball history, pioneering the concept of the point forward. He helped define one of the greatest eras in franchise history and built a standard of excellence that endured long after his tenure.
Nellie’s 540 regular season wins remain the most by a head coach in Bucks history, and he led the franchise to seven consecutive division titles from 1980-86, during which the team won at least 50 games each season.
Selected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012, Nellie was known not only for his basketball brilliance, but also for his authenticity and bigger-than-life personality, often punctuated by his trademark fish ties on the sideline.
We extend our deepest sympathies to Nellie’s family, friends, former players, colleagues, fans and all who knew him. He will always be a treasured part of Bucks history and one of the most influential the game has ever known.” — Milwaukee Bucks statement.
“Don Nelson was a true original whose impact on the Dallas Mavericks and the game of basketball will endure for generations. Nellie helped transform this franchise, bringing an innovative spirit, a belief in doing things differently and, most importantly, a winning culture to Dallas. His influence can be seen throughout Mavericks history and across the NBA today.
“On behalf of the entire Mavericks organization, our thoughts are with Don’s family, friends, former players and coaches, and the many people whose lives he touched. We are grateful for all he gave to the Mavericks and to the game he loved.” — Dallas Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont.
“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. His impact on the Warriors is just as significant. He helped shape some of the most memorable teams and moments in franchise history and built a lasting connection with generations of Warriors fans. His legacy will always remain an important part of this organization. My thoughts are with the entire Nelson family.” — Warriors coach Steve Kerr.
“One of the big reasons I was drafted by the Warriors was because of Don Nelson. The story is he never liked rookies, but from Day 1 he challenged me and gave me an opportunity to be my best self on the court. He taught me a lot during our one season together and I’ll never forget the night he became the winningest coach in NBA history in Minnesota. We were so happy for him. He had an immeasurable impact on the sport and will go down as one of the greatest minds in the history of the game. He’s a true icon and will be missed by the countless number of people he touched, including myself, during a legendary career. Sending my love to Joy, his family and all those who were fortunate enough to know him.” — Warriors guard Stephen Curry.
“It’s a sad day for basketball with the passing of Don Nelson. I have so much respect for him and everything he did for the game, especially the way he believed in international players. I’m grateful for the time I spent with him. Thinking of the entire Nelson family today. I loved getting to know you, Coach.” — Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic.
"Nellie… You didn’t just draft me. You believed in me. You saw things in my game before I ever realized I could do them. I’ve said it a million times and I will always say it: I don’t think my career could have turned out how it did without you being my first coach and giving me the freedom to play my game. I can only say THANK YOU. For everything." — NBA champion and Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki, who played for Nelson with the Dallas Mavericks.
“Don Nelson had an impact on my life that went far beyond basketball. At a time when I needed it, Nellie was there for me. He cared about me as a person first, and I’ll never forget the support, honesty and belief he showed me during a difficult time in my life. We shared so much together over the years, and I’ll always be grateful for the role he played in my life and career. Nellie was more than a coach to me; he was someone who truly cared. I loved him, and my thoughts are with Joy, Donnie and his entire family.” — Hall of Famer and Olympic gold medalist Chris Mullin, who played for Nelson with Golden State.
“Some of my favorite memories in basketball came during those years with Nellie in Golden State. He brought so much personality and passion to everything he did, and I’ll always have a tremendous amount of respect for him. He made the game fun, and the memories we created together are ones I’ll always cherish. Nellie was a special person who meant a lot to so many people in basketball. My thoughts are with the entire Nelson family.” — Hall of Famer Mitch Richmond.
“When I think of Nellie, I’ll always think of the ‘We Believe’ team and our incredible run in 2007. He understood what made us go and made us believe we could beat anybody, ultimately helping us make history as the first No. 8 seed to defeat a No. 1 seed in a seven-game series. That time in my life and career was truly special, and Nellie was a huge part of making it possible. I’ll always be grateful for the memories, the laughs and everything we accomplished together. I’m thinking of Joy and the entire Nelson family, remembering the happiness he brought to so many.” — Two-time All-Star Baron Davis, who played for Nelson with Golden State.
“Don Nelson meant so much to me, both as a coach and as a person. Nellie believed in me from the beginning and gave me the confidence and freedom to play my game. I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity he gave me and the special years we shared with Run TMC. Nellie was ahead of his time and there was nobody else like him. He had an incredible impact on my career and on the game of basketball. I’m going to miss him, and my thoughts and prayers are with Joy, Donnie and the entire Nelson family.” — Five-time NBA All-Star Tim Hardaway.
“Nellie believed in me more than any coach I ever played for. He embraced me from Day 1. He understood me, trusted me and gave me the freedom to be myself on the court. That’s all I ever wanted from a coach, and Nellie gave me that. I loved playing for him, and I loved the relationship we had. He brought the best out of me and helped make that ‘We Believe’ run one of the most special times of my career. I’ll always be grateful to Nellie, and I’ll always love him and his family.” — Former Warriors player Stephen Jackson.
“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.
“I send my deepest condolences to Don’s family and many friends throughout our league.” — NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA
FILE - Boston Celtics' Don Nelson (19) goes to the basket against Milwaukee's Cornell Warner (35) during a NBA Championship game, May 12, 1974, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo, File)
FILE - Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Don Nelson speaks during a press conference before Game 2 of the NBA Finals basketball series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, June 8, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips, File)
FILE - Golden State Warriors' Baron Davis, right, hugs coach Don Nelson in the fourth quarter of an NBA Western Conference first-round basketball playoff game against the Dallas Mavericks in Oakland, Calif., May 3, 2007. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)
