Don Nelson, Hall of Fame basketball coach and NBA player, dies at 86

Don Nelson, a Hall of Fame NBA coach and player, died on Sunday, August 10, 2026, at the age of 86, surrounded by his family. As a player, Nelson won five NBA championships with the Boston Celtics, and he went on to become the coach with the second-most wins in NBA history across 31 seasons. His family announced his peaceful passing but did not disclose the cause of death.