Don Nelson, the NBA’s second-most successful coach by victories and a five-time champion during his playing career with the Boston Celtics, has died at the age of 86, his family announced on Sunday.
Nelson collected five championship rings with Boston between 1966 and 1976, and the Celtics later retired his No. 19 jersey in recognition of his contribution to the franchise.
His coaching career produced a 1,335-1,063 regular-season record across spells with the Golden State Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks from 1976 through 2010. That total stood as the NBA benchmark until Gregg Popovich moved past him in 2022.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver said Nelson transformed the sport with his courage, creativity and firm belief in his ideas. Nelson spent almost half a century in the league, first winning five titles as a Boston player and then developing one of basketball’s most accomplished and forward-thinking coaching careers, Silver added. His distinctive character shaped everything he did, while his effect on the game will remain visible for future generations.
Nelson entered the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012. Although he never guided a team to the NBA Finals, he was widely regarded as one of the most significant coaches in league history.
The Warriors paid tribute to their former Hall of Fame coach, describing “Nellie” as an inventive and highly influential figure in NBA history as well as an icon of the Golden State organization. The franchise said he would be remembered above all for his genuine character, outsized personality and extraordinary love of basketball, adding that his influence would continue to shape the team for years.
Golden State’s current head coach, Steve Kerr, called Nelson a visionary whose ideas remain embedded in today’s NBA. Kerr said Nelson repeatedly questioned established beliefs, tested unusual lineups and playing systems, and identified opportunities that many others overlooked. Much of what is now routine in the modern league, Kerr said, can be linked to Nelson’s approach to the game.
