Don Nelson, the legendary NBA coach who scored the second-most wins in NBA history after having in illustrious career on Lakers, Celtics, and Wizards, has passed away at 86.
Aside from NBA coaching, Nelson was known in his retirement for hosting a popular celebrity poker circle that was frequented by the likes of Willie Nelson, Own Wilson, and Woody Harrelson.
A cause of death has not been publicly revealed.
NBA correspondent Marc Stein reported on Sunday, August 9 that Nelson’s family issued the following statement:
“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. Throughout his last week, friends and family encircled him with love, sharing the blessing of his friendship and revisiting treasured memories.”
NBA Stars Share Tributes to Don Nelson
Lakers player Luka Dončić was one of the first celebrities to react to the news, writing on X alongside a photo of himself posing with the icon, “It’s a sad day for basketball with the passing of Don Nelson.
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.”
Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry also reacted, writing in a statement, “One of the big reasons I was drafted by the warriors was because of Don Nelson. The story is he never liked rookies, but from Day 1 he challenged me and gave me an opportunity to be myself on the court. He taught me a lot during our one season together and I’ll never forget the night he became the winningest coach in NBA history in Minnesota. We were so happy for him. He had an immeasurable impact on the sport and will go down as one of the greatest minds in the history of the game. He’s a true icon and will be missed by the countless number of people he touched, including myself, during a legendary career.”
Curry wrapped up his tribute by sending love to Nelson’s family, specifically naming Nelson’s wife, Joy Wolfgram.
Nelson married Wolfgram in 1991, after splitting from his first wife Sharon on 1989. The coach also leaves behind five children.
Don Nelson Became Known for Fun-Loving Persona Post-Retirement
After a final season with the Golden State Warriors, Nelson retired from coaching 2010. He went on to become known for living it up during his retirement, and spoke out in a 2019 Golf Digest interview about his love of poker and growing marijuana.
“You’ve got to treat it like a baby. You’ve got to water them. You’ve got to have music for them. You’ve got to bless them when you go in. It’s a whole process, I’m telling you,” the outlet says he explained about his hobby.
In a promo for an HBO segment on his life, the coach spoke about his passion for poker and revealed one member of his prolific poker circle “died right in front of us,” and the group continued playing, deciding it’s what their friend would want.
