• Don Nelson, a legendary NBA coach and five-time champion, has died at the age of 86.
• He was a three-time Coach of the Year and ranks second in NBA history with 1,335 coaching wins.
• Nelson was known for his innovative playing style, including the introduction of the point forward.
• He coached multiple teams including the Milwaukee Bucks, Dallas Mavericks, and Golden State Warriors.
• His legacy includes mentoring future stars like Stephen Curry and transforming the Warriors franchise.

Don Nelson, the second-winningest coach in NBA history and a five-time champion as a player, passed away at the age of 86, as confirmed by his family on Sunday. "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 statement read according to latimes, Reuters, and CBS News.

Nelson enjoyed a remarkable career, coaching teams such as the Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, and Dallas Mavericks, amassing 1,335 regular-season wins, the second-highest in NBA history behind Gregg Popovich. Although he never clinched a title as a head coach, he significantly impacted the sport, notably leading the “We Believe” Warriors to a shocking playoff upset against the top-seeded Mavericks in 2007, according to latimes and Reuters.

His contributions to the game included innovating the point forward position and an up-tempo offensive style that shifted away from traditional big men strategies. Nelson was inspired by his playing days under Celtics Hall of Fame coach Red Auerbach. In a piece authored in 2016, he reflected on his revolutionary approach, stating that "the league really hadn't seen an offense like the one we were running," as reported by CBS News.

Nelson mentored and drafted numerous NBA talents, including Stephen Curry, who credited him with providing chances for growth despite being a rookie. "He had an immeasurable impact on the sport and will go down as one of the greatest minds in the history of the game," Curry expressed, according to Reuters and CBS News.

Despite facing health challenges, including prostate cancer, Nelson remained a pivotal figure in basketball until his retirement in 2010, closing his coaching career with 1,335 wins. His legacy as a visionary coach and a beloved figure in the NBA community will continue to resonate for years to come, according to latimes, Reuters, and CBS News.