NBA Coach Don Nelson Passes Away at 86

Don Nelson, a renowned figure in basketball and three-time NBA Coach of the Year, has died at the age of 86, according to an announcement from his family on Sunday morning.

Nelson's family shared that he passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. He was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012 and ranks second in all-time coaching wins, with a record of 1,335-1,063 over 31 seasons with teams including the Bucks, Warriors, Knicks, and Mavericks.

Starting his career as a player with the Celtics, Nelson won five championships and later became known for his innovative coaching style. He played a significant role in the Mavericks' acquisition of Hall of Famers Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitzki. Earlier this year, he relocated from Hawaii to Texas and had been in hospice care following a stroke. His contributions to basketball were recognized with the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award in 2025.