Don Nelson, legendary coach and five-time NBA champion as player, dies at 86

Nelson had second-most coaching wins in NBA history Won five titles with Boston Celtics in 1960s and 70s Helped develop stars Steph Curry and Dirk Nowitzki Don Nelson, the second-winningest coach in NBA history who won five championships as a player with the Boston Celtics, died on Sunday. He was 86. “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,” a statement from his family read. “Throughout his last week, friends and family encircled him with love, sharing the ⁠blessing of his friendship and revisiting treasured memories.” Continue reading...

Associated Press · Sun, Aug 9, 2026, 12:01 PM
US news | The Guardian

Don Nelson, legendary coach and five-time NBA champion as player, dies at 86

Nelson had second-most coaching wins in NBA history
Won five titles with Boston Celtics in 1960s and 70s
Helped develop stars Steph Curry and Dirk Nowitzki

Don Nelson, the second-winningest coach in NBA history who won five championships as a player with the Boston Celtics, died on Sunday. He was 86.

“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,” a statement from his family read. “Throughout his last week, friends and family encircled him with love, sharing the ⁠blessing of his friendship and revisiting treasured memories.”

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