Don Nelson, second-winningest NBA coach who won 5 titles as a Boston Celtics player, dies at 86
- Posted on August 9, 2026
- By Chicago Tribune
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- 1 min read
In brief
Don Nelson, legendary NBA coach and five-time champion with the Boston Celtics as a player, has passed away at 86. Despite his remarkable success on the court during his playing career, Nelson never captured a championship as a head coach. However, his coaching legacy remains significant as one of only two coaches in NBA history to accumulate over 250 victories across three different franchises, demonstrating his enduring impact on the sport.
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Don Nelson, second-winningest NBA coach who won 5 titles as a Boston Celtics player, dies at 86
Don Nelson won five titles as a player with the Boston Celtics, though he never won one as a coach. He is one of two coaches in NBA history to have at least 250 wins with three franchises.
