Hall of Fame coach Don Nelson has added another accolade to his storied career, receiving the 2025 Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award in Oklahoma City this week. Nelson, now 85, is recognized as one of the most innovative and influential coaches in NBA history, ranking second all-time in wins with a,335-1,063 record over 31 seasons.
Nelson’s coaching journey began in Milwaukee, where he led the Bucks to seven straight division titles and pioneered the “point forward” and “small ball” concepts—strategies that have since become staples across the league He later brought his up-tempo, high-scoring style to the Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, and Dallas Mavericks, famously revitalizing the Mavericks with the acquisition of Dirk Nowitzki and Steve Nash, and orchestrating the “Run TMC” era in Golden State.
Despite never winning an NBA championship as a coach, Nelson’s impact is undeniable. He was a three-time NBA Coach of the Year and led the 1994 U.S. Men’s National Team (Dream Team II) to a gold medal at the FIBA World Championship Nelson was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012 and remains celebrated for his willingness to experiment and adapt, often years ahead of his peers.
At the award ceremony, Nelson didn’t hold back, criticizing the Mavericks’ recent decision to trade Luka Doncic, underscoring his enduring passion—and opinions—about the game and its future.
