Don Nelson, Hall of Fame basketball coach and NBA player, dies at 86

Hall of Famer Don Nelson, the coach with the second-most wins in NBA ‌history, died on Sunday. He was 86.

Nelson’s family announced the passing of the five-time champion as a player but didn’t divulge the manner ⁠of death.

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

Nelson was the all-time leader with 1,335 regular-season coaching victories when he retired in 2010, and was only later surpassed by San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich (1,390). His fast style and use of smaller athletic players became known as “Nellie Ball”.

The three-time Coach of the Year didn’t win ⁠any NBA titles during his 31-year overall tenure with the Milwaukee Bucks (1976-87), Golden State Warriors (1988-95, 2006-10), New York Knicks (1995-96) and Dallas Mavericks (1997-2005). But he put together 13 seasons of 50 or more wins, twice reaching 60 (once with the Bucks and once with the Mavericks).

“[Nelson] was a true basketball visionary who saw the game differently and was never afraid to challenge conventional thinking,” the Warriors said in a statement. “His approach helped shape the game and paved the way ‌for generations of players and coaches who followed.

“More than anything, Don Nelson will be remembered for his authenticity, larger-than-life personality, and incredible passion for basketball, and his influence on the Warriors franchise will endure for years to come.”

During Nelson’s time with the Mavericks, the club had its eye on Dirk Nowitzki, a prospect from Germany, as the 1998 NBA Draft approached. During the draft, the Milwaukee Bucks tabbed Nowitzki with the ninth overall pick and traded him to Dallas.