NBA community honors coach Don Nelson after his death at 86
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 9, 2026, 8:36 PM
Last updated Aug 9, 2026
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.
- •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.
- 8:36 PMYahoo Sports — NBA world reacts to Don Nelson's death, including Dirk Nowitzki and Steph Curry
"Don Nelson, the second-winningest coach in NBA history, is dead at 86.
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