Don Nelson has been selected for the 2025 Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award, the National Basketball Coaches Association announced via a press release (Twitter link).
Nelson is already a member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as one of only two coaches in NBA history to lead three teams to at least 250 wins. Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle, the NBCA president, said via a statement that Nelson was also one of the league’s greatest innovators.
“History has already reflected Don Nelson’s staggering contributions as a cutting-edge innovator and visionary of the NBA game. 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.”
Nelson served as an NBA head coach for 31 seasons with the Bucks, Warriors, Knicks and Mavericks. During his career, he amassed a 1,335-1063 (.557) record and currently ranks second all-time in wins and games coached (2,398).
“I’m extremely grateful and humbled to receive this incredible honor and join the exclusive list of coaches who have preceded me,” Nelson said. “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.”
During his playing career, Nelson helped the Celtics win five championships (1966, 1968, 1969, 1974, and 1976) and was an “iron man” who appeared in 465 consecutive games. Nelson began his coaching career in 1976 and retired in 2010 after a stint with Golden State.
Nelson also served as head coach of the 1994 U.S. National Team (Dream Team II) at the FIBA World Championship. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a coach in 2012.
The NBCA award is determined annually by a selection committee. Rudy Tomjanovich was last year’s recipient.
Next up for him the Cannibas award the best new strain.
I remember Don Nelson on the Celtics. I have a mental image of him shooting from around the free throw line for some reason.
31 years coaching and zero rings will never even be allowed to happen again.
He had the stuff as a player though, I’m not mad at highlighting him for an award, but cmon. “Leading 3 teams to 250 wins” is kinda meaningless if you get unlimited seasons to do that in. All that “innovating” stuff is just nonsense. The man never knew how to win in the playoffs, .452 over 31 years is actually kinda bad, actually.
And with this, Davey J again proves he does not know Donnie Nelson or even tiny bit of basketball for that matter.
Davey J is a crook and a fraudulent NBA fan. It’s been well established.
Dan Nelson, my favorite all-time NBA coach.
I never mention this, but I was actually a Milwaukee Bucks fan from 1979 until Nelly came to the Warriors in the 80s, and because I lived in the Bay Area at the time, I naturally switched to the Warriors.
I had to continue my allegiance with Nelly and it turns out, I’ve been a rabid warriors fan ever since.
Del Harris and Jerry ice Reynolds just wasn’t doing it for me.
My favorite Nelson quote is this when speaking with Jerry Sloan of the jazz.
Sloan: “hey Nelly, do you remember when we played each other in college, and I was assigned to guarding you, and we of course pulled out the win?”
Nelly: “of course I remember. Yes you won that particular game.., but I had 35 !!”