Hall of Famer Don Nelson, Celtics champion, dies at age 86
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 9, 2026, 7:07 PM
Last updated Aug 9, 2026
Don Nelson, a prominent figure in basketball history, passed away peacefully at the age of 86. His family shared that he died surrounded by loved ones. Nelson is recognized for his remarkable career, being the only individual to achieve over 1,000 coaching wins while also winning multiple championships as a player with the Boston Celtics. He won titles in 1966, 1968, 1969, 1974, and 1976. Nelson started his coaching career with the Milwaukee Bucks and later had stints with the Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, and Dallas Mavericks, accumulating a career coaching record of 1,335 wins. He was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012.
- •Don Nelson dies at age 86 surrounded by family.
- •Known for over 1,000 coaching wins and five championships as a player.
- •Inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012.
- •Coached teams including the Bucks and Mavericks with notable success.
- •His family shared the news on August 9, 2026.
- 7:07 PMYahoo Sports — Former Celtics 5-time NBA champion dies at 86
- 6:33 PMYahoo Sports — Hall of Fame coach, Celtics NBA champion dies at 86
"The Hall of Famer is the only man to win more than 1,000 NBA games as a coach and multiple championships as a player
"The Celtics are mourning the death of one of their 1960s and 1970s staples.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 9, 2026, 7:07 PMFormer Celtics 5-time NBA champion dies at 86
The Celtics are mourning the death of one of their 1960s and 1970s staples.
- Yahoo SportsAug 9, 2026, 6:33 PMHall of Fame coach, Celtics NBA champion dies at 86
The Hall of Famer is the only man to win more than 1,000 NBA games as a coach and multiple championships as a player
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