Don Nelson, Hall of Fame N.B.A. Coach and Celtics Star, Dies at 86
Key Points:
- Don Nelson, a five-time NBA champion as a player with the Boston Celtics and a Hall of Fame coach, died at 86 in Frisco, Texas, following health complications from a stroke.
- Nelson's nearly 50-year NBA career included significant achievements both as a player and as one of the league's winningest and most innovative head coaches.
- Despite being undersized and twice waived by NBA teams, Nelson became a key player for the Celtics, known for his jump shot and clutch performances off the bench.
- He is particularly remembered for a game-winning basket in the 1969 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers, cementing his legacy in Boston's basketball history.