Remembering Don Nelson

Don Nelson, the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks legend who reshaped the modern game as both a player and coach, has died at 86. Known as “Nellie,” he played 14 seasons and won five NBA titles with the Boston Celtics, including a pivotal Game 7 shot in the 1969 Finals with just over a minute left. An “ironman” who appeared in all 82 games six times, Nelson totaled 10,898 points, 5,192 rebounds, and 1,526 assists. His coaching legacy was especially large in Milwaukee, where he compiled 540 regular-season wins (61%), reaching the playoffs repeatedly and setting franchise highs.