The basketball world lost an absolute giant as Hall of Fame head coach Don Nelson passed away on Sunday at the age of 86. Nelson was a revolutionary coach, winning three NBA Coach of the Year Awards in stints with the Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors and Dallas Mavericks. Even after retiring, he remained around the Mavericks as his son Donnie was the general manager, which is where he was able to meet and get to know current Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic.
Many current and former players took to social media to show love and pay respect to Nelson and his family following the announcement of his passing. Doncic was one of those, calling it a sad day for basketball and expressing his gratitude at being able to spend time with him:
It’s a sad day for basketball with the passing of Don Nelson.
I have so much respect for him and everything he did for the game, especially the way he believed in international players. I’m grateful for the time I spent with him.
Thinking of the entire Nelson family today. I… pic.twitter.com/GqIobWNB9i
— Luka Dončić (@lukadoncic) August 9, 2026
Nelson made an impact on so many throughout the basketball world as his mind for the game was unrivaled. There is no doubt that Doncic was able to pick his brain during the time they spent together and learn many things that has helped him succeed to the level he is at today.
At the time of his retirement, Nelson was the winningest coach in NBA history with 1,335 victories over his 31 years as a head coach. That has since been surpassed by Gregg Popovich, but even still Nelson is one of just three coaches with 1,300 career wins. And that all came after his 14-year playing career, two of which actually came with the Lakers. He would see most of his success with the rival Boston Celtics, however, where he would win five NBA Championships.
His loss is felt throughout the basketball community and Doncic is one of many who were fortunate enough to get to know him as he will be greatly missed. Before Nelson passed away, he famously protested the Doncic trade to the Lakers.
Luka Doncic among top-10 ball handlers in NBA 2K27
One of the things that makes Doncic one of the best players in the world today, and practically unguardable, is his ridiculous ability to handle the ball. And that skill will be on display in the new NBA 2K27 video game in which the Lakers star ranks in the top 10 in ball-handling rating.
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