DALLAS, TX – JUNE 15: Members of the Dallas Mavericks both past and present were on hand for the Sports Power Brokers event, where former Dallas Mavericks coach Don Nelson was presented with the Dr. James Naismith Family Legacy Award on June 15, 2026 at Gilley’s in Dallas, Texas. Dallas Mavericks (Photo by Brandon Colston/Dallas Mavericks Photography)
Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Don Nelson, head coach and general manager of the Dallas Mavericks from 1997-2005, died Sunday at age 86.
Nelson also helmed the Milwaukee Bucks (1976-1988), Golden State Warriors (1988-1995 and 2006-2010) and the New York Knicks (1995-1996).
Nelson worked out draft day deals with the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns, essentially trading the draft rights of Robert Traylor and Pat Garrity for Dirk Nowitzki and Steve Nash, to pair with rising star Michael Finley. The Mavs had previously acquired Finley in a trade that sent Jason Kidd to the Suns prior to Nelson’s arrival in Dallas.
In eight seasons with the Mavericks, Nelson had a 339–251 record.
Nelson is the second-winningest coach in NBA history with a record of 1,335–1,063.
He also won five championships as a player with the Boston Celtics.
Remembering Don Nelson
Dallas Mavericks Governor Patrick Dumont
“Don Nelson was a true original whose impact on the Dallas Mavericks and the game of basketball will endure for generations. Nellie helped transform this franchise, bringing an innovative spirit, a belief in doing things differently and, most importantly, a winning culture to Dallas. His influence can be seen throughout Mavericks history and across the NBA today.
“On behalf of the entire Mavericks organization, our thoughts are with Don’s family, friends, former players and coaches, and the many people whose lives he touched. We are grateful for all he gave to the Mavericks and to the game he loved.”
Dallas Mavericks President and Alternate Governor Masai Ujiri
“Don Nelson was one of the driving forces of a basketball era that shaped us. He saw the game differently, challenged convention and trusted his instincts. That influence went far beyond the teams he coached. He certainly influences the way I see the game.
“Nellie’s impact on basketball, on the Mavericks and on so many of us who came through the game during that time is extraordinary. My thoughts are with the entire Nelson family.”
“Nellie… You didn’t just draft me. You believed in me. You saw things in my game before I ever realized I could do them. I’ve said it a million times and I will always say it: I don’t think my career could have turned out how it did without you being my first coach and giving me the freedom to play my game. I can only say THANK YOU. For everything. RIP legend.”
“There are endless ways to describe Nellie. Coach. Teacher. Innovator. Free spirit. He was larger than life.
“What always inspired me about Nellie was that he could see things differently than everyone else. A new angle, concept, match up, and he wasn’t afraid to go against the grain.
“I was one of those things he saw differently. When I made my first all star game, it was zero surprise to him. He was almost rolling his eyes at me and gave me a look like “Oh now you believe?!” He got me there.
“So to Nellie the coach I played for the most and who developed me. THANK YOU for seeing in me what I wasn’t even sure of myself.”
“It’s a sad day for basketball with the passing of Don Nelson.
“I have so much respect for him and everything he did for the game, especially the way he believed in international players. I’m grateful for the time I spent with him.
“Thinking of the entire Nelson family today. I loved getting to know you, Coach.”
“We lost one of the legends of the game today. Don Nelson was a great player, a coaching genius and a great person. He will truly be missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing him and being impacted by his one-of-a-kind wisdom. May he rest in peace.”
“One of the big reasons I was drafted by the Warriors was because of Don Nelson. The story is he never liked rookies, but from Day 1 he challenged me and gave me an opportunity to be my best self on the court. He taught me a lot during our one season together and I’ll never forget the night he became the winningest coach in NBA history in Minnesota. We were so happy for him.
“He had an immeasurable impact on the sport and will go down as one of the greatest minds in the history of the game. He’s a true icon and will be missed by the countless number of people he touched, including myself, during a legendary career. Sending my love to Joy, his family and all those who were fortunate enough to know him.”
“Don Nelson meant so much to me, both as a coach and as a person. Nellie believed in me from the beginning and gave me the confidence and freedom to play my game. I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity he gave me and the special years we shared with Run TMC.
“Nellie was ahead of his time, and there was nobody else like him. He had an incredible impact on my career and on the game of basketball. I’m going to miss him, and my thoughts and prayers are with Joy, Donnie, and the entire Nelson family.”
“Don Nelson revolutionized NBA basketball through his fearlessness, ingenuity and deep conviction. He spent nearly 50 years in the NBA – winning five championships as a player with the Boston Celtics before building one of the most successful and pioneering coaching careers in league history. He brought an unmistakable personality to everything he did, and his impact on our sport will continue to be felt for generations.
“I send my deepest condolences to Don’s family and many friends throughout our league.”
