Legendary NBA coach Don Nelson dies — five-time champion with the Boston Celtics
Legendary NBA coach and former player Don Nelson passed away on Sunday, August 9. He was 86 years old.
Nelson made his mark on American basketball history as one of the league's most successful coaches, ranking second all-time in wins among NBA head coaches.
Nelson spent his playing career with the Boston Celtics, becoming a key part of the franchise's famed dynasty. With the team, he captured five NBA championships — in 1966, 1968, 1969, 1974, and 1976.
After hanging up his jersey, Nelson gained even greater recognition as a coach. He led several NBA franchises, including the Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, and Dallas Mavericks.
Nelson left an especially vivid legacy in Golden State, where he not only coached but also held executive positions. His unconventional approach to basketball and tactical innovations had a major influence on the evolution of the game.
Nelson retired with 1,335 regular-season NBA victories — the second-highest total in league history at the time. In 2012, he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. Don Nelson will forever remain one of the central figures in NBA history — a champion on the court and an outstanding coach on the sidelines.
Jan Novak
Dailysports's expert
