Don Nelson, second-winningest NBA coach, dies at 86

AP:

Don Nelson, the second-winningest coach in NBA history and a five-time champion as a player with the Boston Celtics, died yesterday at age 86.

Nelson’s family confirmed his passing in a statement that did not disclose the location or cause 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 statement read. “Throughout his last week, friends and family encircled him with love, sharing the blessing of his friendship and revisiting treasured memories.”

Nelson remains one of only two coaches in NBA history with at least 250 wins at three different franchises – Milwaukee, Dallas and Golden State – where he also served as general manager. He was a three-time Coach of the Year, reached the play-offs 18 times in 31 seasons, and advanced to the conference finals four times, though never to the NBA Finals.

Known for his innovation, Nelson introduced the ‘point forward’ and popularised an up-tempo offence that shifted the game away from the dominant big men of the 1970s. He credited Celtics Hall of Fame coach Red Auerbach for inspiring his fast-break philosophy.

“Without Red Auerbach teaching me the mechanics of running the fast break, none of it would have been possible. He deserves all the credit for Nellie Ball, and for how fast the game of basketball is played today,” Nelson wrote in The Players’ Tribune in 2016.

Nelson played 11 of his 14 seasons in Boston, winning five championships under four different coaches. After retiring, he became an assistant in Milwaukee before taking over as head coach in 1976. He guided the Bucks for 11 seasons, winning seven straight division titles.

In his second season, Milwaukee famously erased a 29-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat Atlanta 117-115 in regulation.

“I coached the team as though I was still playing for the Celtics, while implementing a few of my own strategies,” Nelson recalled. “I knew I wanted to play unconventional basketball and use speed to my advantage.”

His offensive philosophy was perhaps best showcased in Golden State’s ‘Run TMC’ era, featuring Tim Hardaway, Mitch Richmond and Chris Mullin. Nelson insisted on playing all three together, creating one of the league’s most exciting line-ups.

Nelson spent 11 seasons across two stints with the Warriors. His first tenure ended in 1995 after a rift with rookie star Chris Webber, who was traded early in his second season. Demoralised by the move, Nelson missed nine games due to illness and resigned under pressure three months later.