Don Nelson, who won five National Basketball Association titles as a player and three Coach of the Year awards, has died at the age of 86. During his playing career, Nelson played for Chicago, the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Boston Celtics.
He won all five of his championships with the Boston team, which retired his No. 19 jersey. After retiring as a player in 1976, he became an assistant coach for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Coaching Career
Nelson served as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks from 1976 until 1988, when he left to take charge of the Golden State Warriors. He remained with the San Francisco team until 1995 before coaching the New York Knicks during the 1995 to 1996 season.
He coached the Dallas Mavericks from 1997 to 2005 and returned to the Warriors in 2006, remaining until retiring in 2010. During his coaching career, he was named Coach of the Year three times, in 1983, 1985, and 1992.
Family Statement
His family announced that Nelson passed away peacefully on Sunday morning to meet the Lord, surrounded by his loving family. The statement added that he was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
According to his family, friends and relatives surrounded Nelson with love throughout his final week, sharing the blessing of his friendship and recalling precious memories.
