Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Hall of Fame Coach Don Nelson Dies at 86

8/10/2026

50 11 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Don Nelson, Hall of Fame player and coach, died at 86, his family announced on Sunday.
His granddaughter said he suffered a stroke three weeks earlier, though the official cause of death was not disclosed.
Nelson finished his career with 1,335 regular-season wins, the second-most in NBA history behind Gregg Popovich.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver and Warriors coach Steve Kerr called him a revolutionary innovator whose impact will endure.

History

Historical Context

In 1995-96, Phil Jackson guided the Chicago Bulls to a 72-10 record, the NBA’s first 70-win season, using his triangle offense with Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman. Around the same era, Don Nelson’s small-ball concepts, later adopted by the Golden State Warriors under Steve Kerr, reshaped league strategy.

1 of 2

Story summary

Don Nelson, Hall of Fame player and coach, died at 86, his family announced on Sunday.
His granddaughter said he suffered a stroke three weeks earlier, though the official cause of death was not disclosed.
Nelson finished his career with 1,335 regular-season wins, the second-most in NBA history behind Gregg Popovich.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver and Warriors coach Steve Kerr called him a revolutionary innovator whose impact will endure.

1 / 2