Don Nelson, former head coach of Dirk Nowitzki during his early years in the NBA, has died at the age of 86. The announcement came from the Dallas Mavericks, who confirmed that Nelson passed away surrounded by family on Sunday morning, August 9, 2026. A statement released by Nelson’s family described him as a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, emphasizing how friends and family spent his final week with love and shared cherished memories. Nelson played professional basketball from 1962 to 1976, winning five championships with the Boston Celtics. Following his playing career, he transitioned into coaching, serving as head coach for teams including the Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, and Dallas Mavericks from 1976 until 2010. His tenure as a coach spanned over three decades, during which he compiled 1,355 regular-season victories, second only to Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs, who achieved 1,390 wins. As the first coach of Nowitzki, Nelson played a pivotal role in shaping the German forward's career. He coached the Dallas Mavericks from 1997 to 2005, guiding Nowitzki through his formative years in the league. Nowitzki expressed deep gratitude for Nelson’s influence, stating in a social media post that Nelson believed in him before Nowitzki even realized his potential. “I don’t think my career would have turned out the way it did if you weren’t my first coach and gave me the freedom to play my game,” Nowitzki wrote. He concluded with heartfelt thanks, calling Nelson a legend. Nelson was known for his innovative approach to coaching and his ability to develop players. One notable moment in his relationship with Nowitzki occurred during the 2007 playoffs, when the Golden State Warriors faced the Mavericks in the first round. As a coach, Nelson had a deep understanding of his former player and devised strategies to contain Nowitzki, leading to an unexpected loss for Dallas after 67 regular-season wins. The legacy of Nelson extends beyond his coaching achievements. He was instrumental in bringing Nowitzki to the Mavericks, traveling to Würzburg, Germany, to convince the young talent to move to Texas. Later, the Mavericks organized a barbecue party for Nowitzki, introducing him to future teammate Steve Nash. At the time, Nelson remarked that Nowitzki might not yet realize the role he would eventually play in the team’s success. Nelson’s impact on the sport was recognized by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who praised his contributions to the game. Silver called Nelson one of the most successful coaches in league history and noted that his influence would continue to be felt for generations to come. A memorial service for Nelson will take place in Dallas on Thursday, though details regarding the funeral arrangements on Hawaii remain pending. Fans, colleagues, and former players are expected to gather to honor his life and career, reflecting on the profound mark he left on the world of basketball.
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