Legendary NBA coach and former Boston Celtics player Don Nelson has died at the age of 86. A statement released by his family said he was surrounded by loved ones at the time of his passing on Sunday morning.
"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," the statement read. "Throughout his last week, friends and family encircled him with love, sharing the blessing of his friendship and revisiting treasured memories."
Coaching Record and Playing Career
Nelson is best known for his career as a coach, holding the record for the most wins in NBA history for 12 years before being passed by former San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich. He is one of only eleven coaches in NBA history to amass 1,000 wins in a career.
Prior to coaching, Nelson played 14 seasons in the NBA and was a key contributor to five championship-winning Boston Celtics teams of the late 1960s and 1970s.
