Archive · 10 Aug 2026
Don Nelson, NBA Coaching Legend, Dies at Age 86
Don Nelson was a very famous basketball player and coach.
He died at the age of 86.
When he was a player, he played for the Boston Celtics for 11 years.
He helped the Celtics win five championships, and his jersey number 19 was retired as an honor.
After playing, he became a head coach and coached for more than 30 years.
He coached the Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, and Dallas Mavericks.
He won 1,335 games as a coach, more than almost anyone in NBA history.
That record was later beaten by Gregg Popovich in 2022.
When Nelson died, famous players like Stephen Curry and Luka Doncic shared their sadness and respect for him.
Hall of Fame coach Don Nelson died at age 86, his family confirmed on Sunday.
Nelson won five NBA championships playing 11 seasons for the Boston Celtics from 1966 to 1976.
His No. 19 jersey was retired by the Celtics.
Nelson coached the Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, and Dallas Mavericks from 1976 to 2010.
He held the NBA coaching wins record with 1,335 wins and 1,063 losses until Gregg Popovich surpassed him in 2022.
Luka Doncic and Stephen Curry paid tribute to Nelson after his death.
- Who
- Don Nelson, Hall of Fame NBA coach and former Boston Celtics player, whose death prompted tributes from Luka Doncic and Stephen Curry.
- What
- Don Nelson passed away at the age of 86, his family confirmed.
- When
- His death at 86 was confirmed by his family on Sunday.
- Where
- Not specified in the article.
- Why
- The cause of death was not stated; the news drew heartfelt tributes across the NBA.
- Age at death
- 86
- Playing career
- Boston Celtics, 1966-1976 (11 seasons)
- NBA championships as player
- 5
- Retired jersey number
- No. 19 (Boston Celtics)
- Coaching career
- 1976-2010 (Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks)
- Coaching record
- 1,335 wins and 1,063 losses
- Coaching wins record
- Held NBA record until Gregg Popovich surpassed him in 2022