Don Nelson, former NBA coach and 5-time champion as a player, dies at 86

August 9, 2026 / 4:48 PM EDT / CBS/AP Don Nelson, the NBA's three-time Coach of the Year and a five-time champion, has died at the age of 86, his family said in a statement. "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 statement said. "Throughout his last week, friends and family encircled him with love, sharing the blessing of his friendship and revisiting treasured memories." As a player, Nelson played 11 of his 14 seasons with the Boston Celtics, winning five NBA championships before going on to coach after he retired. He last coached for the Golden State Warriors in 2010 and retired as the NBA's winningest coach. Over his 30-year career, he coached four teams, including the Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks. Nelson also served as general manager for all three franchises and is one of two coaches in NBA history to have at least 250 wins with the three teams.

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