Don Nelson, the second-winningest coach in NBA history, died at 86 on Sunday. The former player, a five‑time champion and Hall of Famer, left a legacy of innovation and success.

In 31 seasons as head coach with the Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors (twice), New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks, Nelson finished 1,335–1,063, the most wins until Gregg Popovich broke the record in 2022.

His playing career spanned 14 seasons, winning five titles with the Boston Celtics and earning the No. 19 jersey retirement. As a coach he pioneered the Nellie Ball strategy, favoring speed, mismatches and a fast‑paced offense that has shaped modern NBA basketball.

Nelson’s influence extended to drafting stars like Dirk Nowitzki and Stephen Curry, and coaching the 1994 Dream Team II to gold. He was a three‑time NBA Coach of the Year and remains a revered innovator whose ideas are still felt today.

Surrounded by family, Nelson passed peacefully, as his family confirmed in a statement. After coaching, he retired to a 22‑acre farm in Maui where he grew flowers, coffee and cannabis, and opened rentals to wildfire victims.