“Don Nelson, second-winningest coach in NBA history, dies at 86”

BobPSU92

Heisman
Aug 22, 2001
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Legendary coach and player. R.I.P.

See the link below. From the article:

“Don Nelson, the second-winningest coach in NBA history, a five-time NBA champion as a player and a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, has died, it was announced Sunday. He was 86.

"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, according to NBA reporter Marc Stein. "Throughout his last week, friends and family encircled him with love, sharing the blessing of his friendship and revisiting treasured memories."

In 31 seasons as an NBA head coach with the Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors (twice), New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks, Nelson finished with a regular-season record of 1,335-1,063. He retired with the most coaching wins ever, a mark that was broken by the San Antonio Spurs' Gregg Popovich in March 2022.

Nelson made 18 playoff appearances as a coach, finishing with a 75-91 postseason record.

As a player, Nelson won five NBA titles in 11 seasons with the Boston Celtics, who retired his No. 19 jersey in 1978. Overall, he played 14 seasons in the NBA.”


 
May 20, 2005
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Yes, I’m thinking of a crucial free throw Nelson once took that bounced like ten feet above the rim and fell straight through. Does that ring a bell? It must have been in the sixties, maybe too early for you.
This video is that shot... It was field goal from free throw line with seconds remaining in game 7 of final. Lakers had balloons ready to drop from the rafters
 

Lil Nicky Scarfo

All-American
Jul 1, 2025
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Huge weed smoker when he lived in Maui. Used to have regular card games with part-time Maui resident Woody Harrelson and other cronies who lived Upcountry. That would be a great time for sure.
 

LafayetteBear

Heisman
Nov 30, 2009
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Huge weed smoker when he lived in Maui. Used to have regular card games with part-time Maui resident Woody Harrelson and other cronies who lived Upcountry. That would be a great time for sure.
Not sure if Don Nelson smoked weed (thought it was just cigars), but there was another Nelson who was in his Maui poker group who certainly smoked a lot of weed. First name of Willie. Yeah, THAT Willie Nelson.
 
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Lil Nicky Scarfo

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Jul 1, 2025
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Not sure if Don Nelson smoked weed (thought it was just cigars), but there was another Nelson who was in his Maui poker group who certain smoked a lot of weed. First name of Willie. Yeah, THAT Willie Nelson.
Hell, he grew it - called it Nellie Kush. If you’ve ever been through Maui’s Upcountry you’ll see that anything will grow there. Volcanic soil, perfect temperature, sunshine and rain in equal amounts.
 
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Connorpozlee

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Aug 29, 2013
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When I think of Nelson I have a vivid memory of a New York Daily News backpage cover picture of him walking in NYC after a massive snow storm shut the city down, looking like he had left one bar and was heading to another. I wonder if I can find that?
 
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