Don Nelson, the second most successful coach in NBA history with five championships as a player for the Boston Celtics, passed away at the age of 86 on Sunday. His family confirmed the news in a statement that did not disclose the location or cause of his death.
The statement from Nelson’s family announced his peaceful passing surrounded by loved ones. Nelson, a three-time Coach of the Year, achieved over 250 wins with three different NBA teams – Milwaukee, Dallas, and Golden State, where he also held general manager positions. Despite reaching the conference finals multiple times, Nelson never secured an NBA championship.
Nelson was known for revolutionizing the game by popularizing the concept of the point forward and implementing an up-tempo offensive strategy that prioritized speed and fast breaks. He credited his innovative approach to his time learning from Celtics’ legendary coach Red Auerbach.
During his tenure with the Milwaukee Bucks, Nelson led the team to an impressive seven consecutive division titles. His coaching style emphasized unconventional tactics and utilizing speed as a strategic advantage. In Golden State, he showcased his fast-paced offenses with the “Run TMC” era, featuring renowned players Tim Hardaway, Mitch Richmond, and Chris Mullin.
Apart from his coaching achievements, Nelson played a significant role in developing star players like Dirk Nowitzki and Steve Nash. His coaching legacy extended to mentoring rising talents like Stephen Curry. Nelson’s impactful contributions to basketball earned him a spot in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and recognition with the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award.
Born in Muskegon, Michigan, and raised in Rock Island, Illinois, Nelson excelled in basketball from his college days at Iowa to his illustrious NBA career. Following his retirement, he resided on Maui, Hawaii, and managed several short-term rental properties on the island.