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NBA community honors coach Don Nelson after his death at 86

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 9, 2026, 10:16 PM

Last updated Aug 9, 2026

NBA community honors coach Don Nelson after his death at 86

Summary

Don Nelson, the NBA's second-winningest coach, passed away at the age of 86. His family confirmed the news on August 9, 2026. Nelson was a pivotal figure in the league, coaching for over three decades with teams including the Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, and Dallas Mavericks. He was instrumental in Dirk Nowitzki's career, having drafted him in 1998. Players and teams across the league, including Nowitzki and Stephen Curry, shared tributes on social media, highlighting his influence and contributions to basketball. Nelson was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012, solidifying his legacy in the sport.

Source Links

The Dallas Morning News Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Don Nelson died on August 9, 2026, at age 86.
•He is the second-winningest coach in NBA history with 1,335 wins.
•Nelson was key in drafting Dirk Nowitzki for the Mavericks in 1998.
•Players like Stephen Curry and Luka Dončić paid tribute to him on social media.
•Nelson was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2012.

Latest Updates

10:16 PMThe Dallas Morning News — Don Nelson, the second-winningest coach in NBA and Dallas Mavericks history, dies at 86 - Dallas News
8:36 PMYahoo Sports — NBA world reacts to Don Nelson's death, including Dirk Nowitzki and Steph Curry

What they're saying

"
Along with his 339 wins in Dallas, Nelson’s greatest legacy is his 1998 draft night acquisitions of future Naismith Hall of Famers Dirk Nowitzki and Steve Nash.
— The Dallas Morning Newsby Brad Townsend