Don Nelson, the second-winningest coach in NBA history and a five-time NBA champion as a player with the Boston Celtics, died on Sunday at the age of 86, according to an announcement from his family in San Francisco.
During his playing career, Nelson won five championships with the Celtics between 1966 and 1976, leading the franchise to retire his jersey number 19. He later transitioned into coaching, earning recognition as an iconic figure in Golden State Warriors history and cementing his legacy as one of the most innovative and influential coaches in the history of the league.
Following his passing, notable reactions highlighted his profound impact on the sport, with tributes focusing on his historical standing in professional basketball and his lasting contributions to the franchises he represented.
In-depth summary · AI, neutral