One of the most innovative coaches of all time, Don Nelson, has been asked to attend the NBA Finals more times than he could count over the last several years, always gracefully saying thanks, but no thanks to those opportunities. This time, his former colleagues and friends found the one way he could not refuse.
Nelson, 85, a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame coach and one of only two coaches in NBA history to guide three teams to at least 250 wins, is the recipient of the 2025 Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award, the National Basketball Coaches Association (NBCA) announced Sunday.
“History has already reflected Don Nelson’s staggering contributions as a cutting-edge innovator and visionary of the NBA game,” said Indiana Pacers Head Coach and NBCA President Rick Carlisle. “Back in the ’80s and ’90s, he made teams adjust to historic pace, liberal 3-point shooting, inverted offense, and disruptive defensive schemes. All this while establishing himself as one of the most compelling personalities in all of professional sports. I’m certain that Chuck Daly would agree that our beloved ‘Nellie’ is most deserving of this prestigious recognition.”
“I’m extremely grateful and humbled to receive this incredible honor and join the exclusive list of coaches who have preceded me,” said Nelson. “Chuck Daly was a dear friend of mine and someone I respected immensely due to his class, character, and of course, his coaching ability. He may not have influenced my wardrobe, but Chuck certainly had a lasting impact on my coaching philosophy, style, and most importantly, how I managed the personalities on a roster.
“Chuck was an absolute genius in all facets of the game and life. I’m glad I had the opportunity to coach against him, learn from him, and benefit from his knowledge. To say that I’m deeply touched to receive an award that bears his name would be an understatement. This is special.”
Nelson tenure as an NBA head coach lasted for 31 seasons, with the Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, and Dallas Mavericks. During his legendary career, he compiled a 1,335-1063 (.557) record and currently ranks second all-time in wins and games coached (2,398), behind retired San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich. Famous for his outside of the box and innovative basketball philosophy, Nelson led his teams to the playoffs 18 times and won eight division titles.
Nelson played his college ball for the Hawkeyes at the University of Iowa, where he received plenty of accolades. He was named Team MVP, All-Big Ten, and twice an All-American. Selected 17th overall in the 1962 NBA Draft by the Chicago Zephyrs, Nelson was best known for his playing tenure with the Boston Celtics. He helped the Celtics win five NBA championships (1966, 1968, 1969, 1974, and 1976) and was an “iron man” who appeared in an unbelievable 465 consecutive games.
In 1976, Nelson made the leap into his coaching career in Milwaukee, where he guided the Bucks for 11 seasons, including winning seven consecutive division titles. It was in Milwaukee where Nelson created the concept of the point forward. The small ball offensive concept, famously coined “Nellie Ball,” is still implemented by professional, collegiate, and international teams across the world.
In 1988, Nelson became head coach and vice president of the Warriors, with whom he coached for seven seasons and led to four playoff appearances. He brought an up-tempo style of offense, which artistically played to the strengths of “Run TMC”, Tim Hardaway, Mitch Richmond, and Chris Mullin.
In 1995, Nelson became the head coach of the Knicks and later was named the head coach and general manager of the Mavericks, whom he led to four consecutive 50-win seasons. In 2006, Nelson started a second tour of duty, coaching in the Bay Area with the Warriors. He put a bow on his coaching career in Golden State, retiring in 2010.
In addition to his tremendous success in the NBA coaching ranks, Nelson served as head coach of the 1994 U.S. Men’s National Team (Dream Team II) at the FIBA World Championship. He coached future stars and Hall of Famers Derrick Coleman, Joe Dumars, Kevin Johnson, Larry Johnson, Shawn Kemp, Dan Majerle, Reggie Miller, Alonzo Mourning, Shaquille O’Neal, Mark Price, Steve Smith, and Dominique Wilkins to an undefeated record (8-0) and the gold medal in Toronto.
Embed from Getty ImagesNelson was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a coach in 2012. He was also selected as the NBA Coach of the Year on three different occasions (1983, 1985, and 1992) and voted both a Top 10 (1997) and Top 15 (2022) Coach in NBA history.
“Don Nelson is widely respected for his ability to innovate and find creative ways to win with his superstar talents,” said David Fogel, NBCA Executive Director and General Counsel. “His long-term success with multiple franchises is a testament to his leadership and commitment to winning. Congratulations to Nellie on this most deserving recognition.”
The National Basketball Coaches Association’s Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award honors the memory of Hall of Fame Coach Chuck Daly, who, over an outstanding NBA coaching career, set a standard for integrity, competitive excellence, and tireless promotion of NBA basketball. The award is decided yearly by a Selection Committee made up of some of the most respected coaches and basketball executives in the game, including Bernie Bickerstaff, Billy Cunningham, Joe Dumars, Phil Jackson, Gregg Popovich, Pat Riley, Donnie Walsh, and Lenny Wilkens.
Prior recipients are Rudy Tomjanovich (2024), Rick Adelman (2023), Mike Fratello (2022), Larry Brown (2021), Del Harris (2020), Frank Layden (2019), Doug Moe (2018), Al Attles and Hubie Brown (2017), K.C. Jones and Jerry Sloan (2016), Dick Motta (2015), Bernie Bickerstaff (2014), Bill Fitch (2013), Pat Riley (2012), Lenny Wilkens (2011), Jack Ramsay and Tex Winter (2010), and Tommy Heinsohn (2009).
