RIP to one of my favorite coaches, Don Nelson. ๐๏ธ๐๐พ
Nellie was truly one of a kind. Iโll always appreciate the opportunity I had to play for him and everything I learned from him in that short โWe Believeโ year. He saw basketball differently, trusted his players, and wasnโt afraid to do things his own way. Rest easy, Coach. Truly one of the greatest to ever do it! Your impact on the game will never be forgotten.
Nellie almost brought me to Dallas in 2002 when I was a restricted free agent. We'd nod and check in with each other here and there over the years after that. It was always love.
As far as hoops, he saw stuff on a basketball court that the rest of us wouldn't catch onto for another twenty years. All that small ball and spacing the whole league runs today, he was ahead of his time.
Prayers to his family.
The Golden State Warriors mourn the passing of Hall of Fame head coach Don Nelson.
"Nellie" was one of the most innovative and influential coaches in NBA history and an iconic figure in Warriors history. He was a true basketball visionary who saw the game differently and was never afraid to challenge conventional thinking. His approach helped shape the game and paved the way for generations of players and coaches who followed.
More than anything, Don Nelson will be remembered for his authenticity, larger-than-life personality, and incredible passion for basketball, and his influence on the Warriors franchise will endure for years to come.
On behalf of the entire Warriors organization, we offer our sincere condolences to his wife, Joy, his family, and countless friends.
โDon Nelson was a true innovator whose influence on the game of basketball is still felt today. He consistently challenged conventional thinking, experimented with different lineups and styles of play, and saw possibilities in the game that others often did not. So much of what is now commonplace in the modern NBA can be traced back to the way Nellie approached the game.
His impact on the Warriors is just as significant. He helped shape some of the most memorable teams and moments in franchise history and built a lasting connection with generations of Warriors fans. His legacy will always remain an important part of this organization. My thoughts are with the entire Nelson family.โ - Steve Kerr
Hall of Famer Don Nelson, three-time NBA Coach of the Year and five times a champion as a player with the Boston Celtics, has died at age 86.
The family has issued this statement:
โOn Sunday morning our beloved husband, dad, grandfather and great-grandfather Don Nelson peacefully went to be with the Lord, surrounded by his loving family. Throughout his last week, friends and family encircled him with love, sharing the blessing of his friendship and revisiting treasured memories.โ
We canโt lose sight of this.
Millions of families are going hungry in this country because Donald Trump wanted to give a tax break to billionaires.
Itโs a moral abomination.