Dirk Nowitzki and Luka Doncic were among the basketball figures who paid tribute to legendary NBA coach Don Nelson following his death Sunday at age 86.
Nelson, the second-winningest head coach in NBA history and an important figure in Dallas Mavericks history, had reportedly suffered a stroke several weeks earlier before entering hospice care.
“On Sunday morning our beloved husband, dad, grandfather and great-grandfather Don Nelson peacefully went to be with the Lord, surrounded by his loving family,” Nelson’s family said in a statement.
“Throughout his last week, friends and family encircled him with love, sharing the blessing of his friendship and revisiting treasured memories,” the statement continued.
Nowitzki shared an emotional message about Nelson, who played a major role in bringing him to Dallas and developing him into one of the greatest players in franchise history.
“Nellie… You didn’t just draft me. You believed in me,” Nowitzki wrote on X. “You saw things in my game before I ever realized I could do them. I’ve said it a million times and I will always say it: I don’t think my career could have turned out how it did without you being my first coach and giving me the freedom to play my game. I can only say THANK YOU. For everything.”
Nelson joined the Mavericks as head coach and general manager before the 1997-98 season. He helped bring both Nowitzki and Steve Nash to Dallas in 1998, laying the foundation for the franchise’s rise.
Doncic also honored Nelson, emphasizing his influence on international players and the game as a whole.
“It’s a sad day for basketball with the passing of Don Nelson,” Doncic wrote on X. “I have so much respect for him and everything he did for the game, especially the way he believed in international players. I’m grateful for the time I spent with him. Thinking of the entire Nelson family today. I loved getting to know you, Coach.”
