Hall of Fame coach Don Nelson, who led the Dallas Mavericks to four consecutive 50-win seasons and helped shape Dirk Nowitzki’s early career, died Sunday. He was 86.
The Mavericks confirmed Nelson’s death in an official X post.
A basketball innovator. A Mavericks legend. An impact that will never be forgotten.
We mourn the passing of former Mavericks head coach Don Nelson and celebrate a life that left an incredible mark on our franchise and the game of basketball.
Rest in peace, Nellie. #MFFL pic.twitter.com/BcLDKkIEO7
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) August 9, 2026
“A basketball innovator. A Mavericks legend. An impact that will never be forgotten,” the team said. “We mourn the passing of former Mavericks head coach Don Nelson and celebrate a life that left an incredible mark on our franchise and the game of basketball.”
The Golden State Warriors also announced Nelson’s death Sunday. The organization did not release a cause of death or other details.
Nelson turned Dallas into a contender
Nelson coached the Mavericks from 1997 to 2005 and compiled a 339-251 regular-season record. He guided Dallas to four consecutive 50-win seasons and the 2003 Western Conference Finals.
He also served as the Mavericks’ general manager and worked with his son, Donnie Nelson, to build around Nowitzki and Steve Nash. Nowitzki later credited Nelson with recognizing his unusual skill set and encouraging the 7-footer to play on the perimeter and shoot three-pointers, The Dallas Express previously reported.
A Hall of Fame innovator
Across 31 seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks and Mavericks, Nelson compiled a 1,335-1,063 record. He ranks second in NBA history in coaching victories.
He pioneered the point-forward role. His fast, small-ball offense earned the name “Nellie Ball.”
Before coaching, Nelson played 14 NBA seasons and won five championships with the Boston Celtics. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inducted him as a coach in 2012. The National Basketball Coaches Association presented him with the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award in 2025.
Provided by Dallas Express
