The North Texas and NBA communities are mourning the loss of former Dallas Mavericks coach and NBA player Don Nelson.
Nelson leaves behind a legacy as the second-most winning coach in NBA history, who won five championships as a player with the Boston Celtics, was a three-time Coach of the Year, and more. Nelson went on to inspire the next generation of basketball.
NBA legends Rick Carlisle, a former Mavericks head coach and Celtics player too, former Mavericks player Steve Nash, and now-retired San Antonio Spurs head coach Greg Popovich attended the ceremony in North Dallas. Del Harris and Mike Dunleavy attended as well.
Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church hosted the celebration of life ceremony.
Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church Celebration of life for Don Nelson in Dallas 08, 13, 2026.
Nelson’s family did not announce where he died or provide a cause. He was 86.
Nelson won at least 250 games with Milwaukee, Dallas, and Golden State, also serving as a general manager for all three franchises.
He made the playoffs 18 times in 31 seasons, reaching the conference finals four times – once with the Mavericks. Nelson never won an NBA title.
Nelson spent most of his playing career in Boston, before coaching the Bucks and Warriors for 11 seasons each.
Nelson coached the Mavericks for eight seasons and was with the New York Knicks for less than one season.
Nelson missed 21 games with the Mavericks starting in December 2000 to recuperate from prostate cancer surgery.
Nelson’s son Donnie later became general manager of the Mavericks; the duo is part of the front office that brought Dirk Nowitzki to Dallas.
Nelson retired as the NBA all-time coaching wins leader (1,335), before being passed by Popovich.
Nelson was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012.
Nelson also was not a fan of the Luka Doncic trade that sent him to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Born in Muskegon, Michigan, Nelson attended high school in Illinois and college in Iowa. After leaving Dallas, he retired to Maui, Hawaii.
“Don Nelson was one of the driving forces of a basketball era that shaped us. He saw the game differently, challenged convention and trusted his instincts. That influence went far beyond the teams he coached. He certainly influences the way I see the game.
Nellie’s impact on… pic.twitter.com/43y6YQ0z3t
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) August 9, 2026