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Don Nelson has sadly passed away.

Don Nelson Dies at 86

The former basketball player and NBA Hall of Fame coach died at the age of 86, his family confirmed on Sunday (August 9) in a statement

The Family’s Statement

“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. Throughout his last week, friends and family encircled him with love, sharing the blessing of his friendship and revisiting treasured memories,” they said, via TMZ.

The cause of death was not yet made public.

Don Nelson’s Historic NBA Career

During his time as a coach, he coached the Milwaukee Bucks, the New York Knicks, the Dallas Mavericks, and the Golden State Warriors.

He won five NBA championships playing with the Boston Celtics, and his number 19 was retired by the franchise in 1978.

In 2024, the NBA declared Don as one of the 15 Greatest Coaches in NBA history, citing these impressive statistics at the time:

Seasons coached: 31
Regular-season record: 1,335-1,063 (.557)
NBA Coach of the Year Awards: 3
Basketball Hall of Fame Class: 2012

• Has the most regular-season victories in NBA history.
• Surpassed Lenny Wilkens on April 7, 2010, as the winningest coach in NBA history.
• Ranks second in seasons coached and regular-season games coached (2,398).
• Named NBA Coach of the Year for 1982-83, 1984-85 and 1991-92.
• Shares the NBA record for most Coach of the Year awards (along with Pat Riley and Gregg Popovich).
• Won at least 300 games with three different franchises: Milwaukee Bucks (540), Golden State Warriors (422) and Dallas Mavericks (339).
• Recorded 13 seasons with 50 or more wins, including two with 60 victories.
• Served as coach in the NBA All-Star Game twice.

The 2025 Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Don in 2025.

Our thoughts are with Don Nelson‘s loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. RIP. We have sadly lost many notable public figures in 2026.

The post Don Nelson Dead – NBA Hall of Famer & Coaching Legend Dies at 86 appeared first on Just Jared - Celebrity News and Gossip | Entertainment.