Don Nelson, NBA pioneer and coach, dies at 86

Don Nelson, a former NBA player who won five championships with the Milwaukee Bucks, died on Tuesday at the age of 86. He passed away quietly at his home in the San Francisco Bay Area after a brief illness. The former coach and player was best known for his long tenure in the league, where he became one of only two coaches to record at least 250 wins with three different franchises – Milwaukee, Dallas and Golden State – and for being one of the few people to win championships as both a player and a coach.

Nelson’s playing career began in 1970 when he was drafted by the Bucks. He played as a point guard for eight seasons, helping the team win titles in 1971, 1974, 1976, 1977 and 1978. After retiring as a player, he turned to coaching in 1980 with the Bucks and stayed there until 1995. He then led the Dallas Mavericks for four seasons before taking over the Golden State Warriors in 1999. In 2006 he joined the San Antonio Spurs for a season, becoming the first coach in NBA history to win championships as a player, assistant coach, and head coach. Over his coaching career he amassed more than 4,000 wins, including 4,000–5,000 victories across four teams and a total of 1,000 playoff appearances.

Nelson’s influence on the game was felt far beyond his win totals. He was a pioneer of the “run-and-gun” offense that made the Warriors a high‑scoring, exciting team in the early 2000s. He also mentored many young players, including future stars like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, and was known for his willingness to experiment with lineups and strategies. His coaching style was often described as “unconventional” but highly effective, and he earned the NBA Coach of the Year award in 1998 while with the Mavericks. The league has called him “a coach who made a difference” and noted his role in modernizing the game’s tactical approach.

The NBA will hold a moment of silence at the 2026 All‑Star Game to honor Nelson’s legacy. The Bucks, Mavericks and Warriors have all announced memorial services at their respective arenas. Former teammates and players, including Kareem Abdul‑Jabbar and Steve Kerr, have posted tributes on social media, highlighting his kindness and innovative mind. Nelson’s passing marks the end of a remarkable chapter in basketball history, and his impact will be felt by generations of players, coaches and fans for years to come.