Don Nelson, Hall of Fame basketball coach and NBA player, dies at 86

Nelson was a five-time NBA champion with the Boston Celtics but is best remembered for his innovative coaching style.Published On 10 Aug 202610 Aug 2026Hall of Famer Don Nelson, the coach with the second-most wins in NBA ‌history, died on Sunday. He was 86.Nelson’s family announced the passing of the five-time champion as a player but didn’t divulge the manner ⁠of death.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Barca eye three-peat as Mourinho back at Madrid in new La Liga seasonlist 2 of 4Marmoush brace helps Man City defeat Atletico Madrid in South Korealist 3 of 4Jannik Sinner withdraws from Cincinnati Open with knee injurylist 4 of 4Brazilian player falls into tunnel celebrating goalend of list“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 Nelson family statement read. “Throughout his last week, friends and family encircled him with love, sharing the blessing of his ⁠friendship and revisiting treasured memories.”Nelson was the all-time leader with 1,335 regular-season coaching victories when he retired in 2010, and was only later surpassed by San Antonio Sp...