Don Nelson, one of the most heralded and innovative basketball coaches ever, has died at the age of 86.
“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,” Nelson’s family said in a statement. “Throughout his last week, friends and family encircled him with love, sharing the blessing of his friendship and revisiting treasured memories.”
Hall of Famer Don Nelson, three-time NBA Coach of the Year and five times a champion as a player with the Boston Celtics, has died at age 86.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) August 9, 2026
The family has issued this statement:
“On Sunday morning our beloved husband, dad, grandfather and great-grandfather Don Nelson… pic.twitter.com/MkDMNugYcu
Nelson won five NBA titles as a player, but is best remembered for his coaching career. He is credited with the invention of the point forward, and is known for bringing a faster and more athletic style of play to the league. The system was first used with the Milwaukee Bucks, and later refined his style with the Golden State Warriors and Dallas Mavericks. Steve Nash first flourished under his tutelage, and he was instrumental in pushing the Warriors to select Stephen Curry in the first round of the 2009 NBA Draft.
For many years, Nelson was the winningest coach in NBA history. Gregg Popovich surpassed him in 2022, which Nelson was very enthusiastic about. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012.
Nelson’s son Donnie was also general manager of the Mavericks from 2002 to 2021.
