Don Nelson dies at 86 after legendary NBA coaching career

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

Nelson's family announced his death on Sunday, saying he died peacefully surrounded by relatives.

"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," the family said in a statement.

Nelson recorded 1,335 regular-season victories during 31 seasons as an NBA head coach, a total surpassed only by Gregg Popovich in 2022.

He coached the Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks, reaching the playoffs 18 times and winning three NBA Coach of the Year awards.

Before becoming a coach, Nelson played 14 NBA seasons and won five championships during 11 years with the Boston Celtics. The Celtics retired his No. 19 jersey in 1978.

Nelson also played important roles in the careers of several NBA stars. He helped Dallas acquire Dirk Nowitzki and Steve Nash and later pushed Golden State to select Stephen Curry with the seventh pick in the 2009 NBA draft.

Nelson was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012.