NBA legend Don Nelson, former player and coach, dies at 86

Don Nelson, a five-time NBA champion with the Boston Celtics and three-time Coach of the Year, died at age 86, his family said in a statement. Nelson, who played 11 of his 14 seasons with the Celtics, later coached four NBA teams, ending his career with the Golden State Warriors in 2010 as the league's winningest coach.

Over a 30-year coaching tenure, he led the Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks and Warriors, and served as general manager for each franchise. He is one of two coaches in NBA history to record at least 250 wins with three different teams.

"Don Nelson was a true original whose impact on the Dallas Mavericks and the game of basketball will endure for generations," said Dallas Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont.

Nelson is credited with popularizing the "point forward" position and an up-tempo, fast-break offense that shifted the league away from dominant big men. He wrote in 2016 that the style was unprecedented and produced clear results.

"Nellie was one of the most innovative and influential coaches in NBA history and an iconic figure in Warriors history," a Warriors statement read.

Stephen Curry recalled that Nelson challenged him from the start and gave him opportunities to excel, while NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said Nelson "revolutionized NBA basketball through his fearlessness, ingenuity and deep conviction."

The Celtics highlighted his playing career, noting his decisive foul-line jumper in Game 7 of the 1969 Finals that helped secure Boston’s 11th title in 13 seasons. His number 19 was retired by the Celtics in 1978.

Nelson disclosed a prostate cancer diagnosis in 2000, underwent surgery and was reported to have no spread of the disease. The cause of his death was not disclosed. He is survived by his wife Joy and their children.