Don Nelson has left an unforgettable mark on the NBA.
Don Nelson, Hall of Fame NBA Coach and five-time NBA champion as a player, passed away at the age of 86, his family announced on Sunday.
Nelson played 14 seasons in the NBA with the Chicago Zephyrs, Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics from 1962-1976, winning five championships with the Celtics while playing alongside players like Bill Russell, John Havilcek and Willie Naults, coming off the bench as the Celtics' sixth man for most of his tenure with the team.
Boston Celtics forward Don Nelson (19) in action against the Atlanta Hawks at The Omni. Manny Rubio-USA TODAY SportsNelson's No. 19 as retired by the Celtics in 1978, just two years after his playing career was down.
After retiring as a player, Nelson returned to the basketball world as an assistant coach for the Milwaukee Bucks in 1976, eventually becoming had coach and general manager for the Bucks.
Nelson's Time With Golden State
Nelson's time with the Golden State Warriors began in 1988 when he took over as head coach after then-oner Jim Fitzgerald purchased the team in 1986.
Golden State Warriors former player Chris Mullin and former coach Don Nelson smile for the media before Mullin's #17 jersey is retired before the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Oracle Arena. Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY SportsWhile at helm of the Warriors, Nelson helped introduce one of the most iconic eras of Golden State basketball, "Run TMC," where he utilized a three-guard lineup that featured Mitch Redmond, Tim Hardaway and Chris Mullins at forward, creating a fast-paced scoring dynamic that helped Nelson and the Warriors revive the state of the franchise.
Nelson resigned as head coach in 1995, ending his first stint with the Warriors after taking the team to the playoffs in four of his six seasons. The Warriors notably didn't reach the playoffs again until Nelson returned as head coach in 2006.
Golden State Warriors head coach Don Nelson argues a call with a referee during the first quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at ORACLE Arena. Kyle Terada-USA TODAY SportsBefore his return though, Nelson was also head coach of the New York Knicks from 1995-96 and head coach and general manager of the Dallas Mavericks from 1997-2005.
Second Stint and Drafting Curry
Nelson came back as head coach of the Warriors in 2006, leading the team to some playoff success in the early portion of his second stint. But Nelson's most significant contribution to the Warriors during this time was his advocacy that the Warriors draft Steph Curry with the seventh-overall pick of the 2009 NBA Draft, securing the Warriors' their future two-time MVP and four-time champion.
Don Nelson poses for a photo after receiving the 2025 Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award during the first half during game two of the 2025NBAFinals at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn ImagesNelson finished his coaching career with 1,335, second-most all-time behind only Greg Popovich. Nelso also won three Coach of the Year awards in 1983, 1985 and 1992, and was named the head coach of the All-Star Game twice, in 1992 and 2002.
In 2025, Nelson was honored with the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his contributions to the game and in 2012 Nelson was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
