FIVE-TIME NBA CHAMPION AND COACHING ICON DON NELSON DIES AT 86

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Agency Report

Don Nelson, the second-winningest coach in NBA history and a five-time champion with the Boston Celtics as a player, has died at the age of 86.

Nelson’s family announced his death on Sunday.

The former forward was part of Boston’s championship-winning teams between 1966 and 1976, earning five NBA titles during his 11 seasons with the Celtics. The franchise later retired his No. 19 jersey in his honour.

Nelson also enjoyed a remarkable coaching career, compiling a 1,335-1,063 regular-season record during stints with the Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks between 1976 and 2010.

His total stood as the NBA’s coaching wins record until Gregg Popovich surpassed him in 2022.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver described Nelson as a revolutionary figure who transformed the game through his innovative approach and willingness to challenge conventional ideas.

“Don Nelson revolutionized NBA basketball through his fearlessness, ingenuity and deep conviction,” Silver said in a statement.

“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.”

Nelson was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012. Although he never led a team to the NBA Finals as a coach, he was widely regarded as one of the most influential coaches in league history.

The Golden State Warriors mourned the passing of their Hall of Fame coach, describing him as one of the most innovative figures in NBA history and an iconic personality in the franchise’s history.

“‘Nellie’ was one of the most innovative and influential coaches in NBA history and an iconic figure in Warriors history,” the team said.

The Warriors added that Nelson would be remembered for his authenticity, larger-than-life personality and passion for basketball, noting that his influence on the franchise would endure.

Current Warriors coach Steve Kerr also paid tribute to Nelson, describing him as a visionary whose ideas continue to shape the modern NBA.

“Don Nelson was a true innovator whose influence on the game of basketball is still felt today,” Kerr said.

Kerr noted that Nelson regularly challenged conventional thinking, experimented with different lineups and playing styles, and identified possibilities that others had overlooked.

The Boston Celtics also honoured Nelson for his achievements as a player, describing him as a tough and dependable all-rounder whose understanding of the game was evident throughout his 11 seasons with the franchise.

Nelson played a key role in five Celtics championship-winning teams across two different eras.

The Milwaukee Bucks, where Nelson began his NBA coaching career, also paid tribute to him, noting that he won two of his three Coach of the Year awards during his 11-season tenure with the team from 1976 to 1987.

The Dallas Mavericks described Nelson as an innovator and legend whose contribution to the franchise and basketball would never be forgotten.