Basketball Hall of Famer and former head coach, Don Nelson passes away at the age of 86 in Texas (Image via X)The basketball world is mourning today at the loss of NBA legend and Hall of Famer Don Nelson, who breathed his last on Sunday at the age of 86. With his death, Nelson leaves behind one of the most influential coaching legacies in the history of the NBA. The news of his death was confirmed in a statement shared by his family and NBA insider Mark Stein on Sunday.According to the family, Nelson peacefully passed away surrounded by his loved ones, and family members who were with him in his last moments. However, the cause of death has not been disclosed yet.It is important to note that Nelson has been a five-time NBA champion as a player with the Boston Celtics and later became a three-time NBA Coach of the Year and finished his coaching career with 1,335 regular-season victories.NBA legend Don Nelson leaves behind an influential basketball legacy as he breathed his last at the age of 86Basketball legend and three-time NBA Coach of the Year Don Nelson leaves behind an influential basketball legacy as he breathed his last on Sunday afternoon in Frisco, Texas. He was 86 at the time of his death. During his final moments, he was surrounded by his friends, family members, and loved ones.Sharing the news of his death, the family members said in a 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.”Don Nelson is known for being the second winning coach in NBA history, a five-time NBA champion as a player, and a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He was inducted as a Hall of Famer in the year 2012 for his contribution to the league.Nelson was a legendary figure who won five championships as a player with the Boston Celtics from 1963 to 1976, leading the league in field goal percentage in 1975. Nelson is known for having revolutionized the game with his unique system, which became known as "Nellie Ball."He also served as Dallas’ head coach from 1997 through 2005 while also holding the role of general manager. During that period, Nelson played a central role in transforming the Mavericks into a legitimate Western Conference contender.Not only with the Mavericks, but his coaching career also included successful stints with the Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors, and New York Knicks. He ultimately finished his career with 1,335 wins.However, his final coaching stint came with Golden State, where he helped guide the Warriors during the early stages of Stephen Curry’s NBA career. Nelson retired from coaching in 2010 after a career spanning more than three decades on the sidelines.Apart from this, in 2025, Nelson was granted the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award. He wore Luka Doncic's shoes to "protest" the trade out of Dallas, which he called a "tremendous mistake,” as per Sports Illustrated.Although Nelson never won an NBA championship as a head coach, his influence went beyond the title count. His death leaves behind an enduring legacy that will be remembered for generations in the history of basketball.