Remembering former Celtics star and legendary NBA coach Don Nelson

Don Nelson played for the Boston Celtics from 1965 to 1976 after stints with the Chicago Zephyrs and Los Angeles Lakers. Neslon was a clutch sixth man and frontcourt reserve under legendary coaches Red Auerbach, Bill Russell, and Tom Heinsohn.

Nelson's famous bouncing, back-rim jumper in Game 7 of the 1969 Finals against the Lakers to help secure the title was his shining highlight. Nelson won five rings during his Celtics career and his #19 was retired by the team in 1978.

Nelson was an NBA Coach of the Year three times (1983, 1985, 1992) and retired from coaching with 1,335 regular-season victories, a record that stood as the most in NBA history for nearly 12 years until it was broken by Gregg Popovich in 2022. Over his 31 seasons as a head coach, he popularized "Nellie Ball," an unconventional, fast-paced offensive system that favored smaller, more versatile lineups. He is also credited with creating the "point forward" position and was an early advocate for scouting and developing international talent, famously drafting Dirk Nowitzki.

Nelson who credited Red Auerbach’s fast-break philosophies as the root of his future innovative coaching career was enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012 for his coaching success. Rest in peace Don and prayers to his family.