Don Nelson, who ranks second in career wins among NBA coaches and won five titles as a player with the Boston Celtics, died on Sunday at 86, according to the Golden State Warriors.
Key facts
- Don Nelson died on Sunday at the age of 86.
- He had the second-most coaching wins in NBA history.
- He won five NBA championships as a player with the Boston Celtics in the 1960s and 70s.
- He helped develop stars including Steph Curry and Dirk Nowitzki.
- His death was announced by the Golden State Warriors, one of the teams he coached.
Don Nelson, the second-winningest coach in NBA history who also won five championships as a player with the Boston Celtics, died on Sunday at the age of 86, according to the Guardian.
Nelson’s death was announced by the Golden State Warriors, one of the teams he coached during a lengthy career on the sidelines.
As a player, Nelson claimed five NBA titles with the Boston Celtics during the 1960s and 70s, establishing himself as part of one of the era’s most successful franchises.
Nelson went on to build a coaching legacy that placed him second in all-time coaching wins in NBA history, a mark that reflects decades of work in the league.
During his coaching career, Nelson helped develop stars including Steph Curry and Dirk Nowitzki, two players who became central figures in the modern NBA.
The Guardian reported the news of his death on 9 August 2026.
Why it matters
Don Nelson was one of the most influential figures in basketball, both as a champion player and as one of the winningest coaches the NBA has ever seen. His mentorship of future stars like Steph Curry and Dirk Nowitzki underscores a lasting impact on the modern game.
Frequently asked questions
How old was Don Nelson when he died?
Don Nelson was 86 years old when he died on Sunday, according to the Guardian.
What was Don Nelson's coaching legacy?
Nelson had the second-most coaching wins in NBA history and helped develop stars including Steph Curry and Dirk Nowitzki.
What did Don Nelson achieve as a player?
As a player, Nelson won five NBA championships with the Boston Celtics in the 1960s and 70s.