OKLAHOMA CITY — Don Nelson has been invited to the NBA Finals numerous occasions lately, at all times declining these alternatives.
This time, his friends discovered a method to make sure he could not say no.
Nelson — a Basketball Corridor of Famer and three-time NBA coach of the yr — was introduced Sunday as this yr’s recipient of the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award, introduced by the Nationwide Basketball Coaches Affiliation. It is going to be formally given out Sunday evening, about an hour earlier than Recreation 2 of the NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder.
“Historical past has already mirrored Don Nelson’s staggering contributions as a cutting-edge innovator and visionary of the NBA recreation,” mentioned Pacers coach and NBCA president Rick Carlisle. “Again within the ’80s and ’90s, he made groups modify to historic tempo, liberal 3-point taking pictures, inverted offense and disruptive defensive schemes. All this whereas establishing himself as one of the compelling personalities in all {of professional} sports activities.”
Nelson, 85, retired in 2010 because the NBA’s all-time teaching wins chief with 1,335, simply forward of Lenny Wilkens’ 1,332. Nelson stored that prime spot for practically 12 years earlier than now-retired San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich handed him in March 2022.
Nelson is considered one of solely two coaches in NBA historical past to have at the very least 250 wins with three totally different franchises. He received to that mark with Milwaukee, Dallas and Golden State, and in addition coached New York briefly in his profession.
Nelson and Daly had been shut mates. They went head-to-head 41 occasions as coaches: Nelson’s groups went 21-20 in these video games.
“Chuck was an absolute genius in all sides of the sport and life,” Nelson mentioned. “I am glad I had the chance to teach towards him, study from him and profit from his information. To say that I am deeply touched to obtain an award that bears his title can be an understatement. That is particular.”
Nelson took groups to the playoffs 18 occasions as a coach and gained 5 championships as a participant with the Boston Celtics. He began teaching in 1976, and what grew to become often known as “Nellie Ball” quickly created a buzz, with him being usually credited for introducing what’s now often known as the purpose ahead.
His up-tempo offensive methods had been in all probability greatest on show with Golden State within the “Run TMC” period that includes Tim Hardaway, Mitch Richmond and Chris Mullin.
The award is in Daly’s reminiscence and celebrates his “integrity, aggressive excellence, and tireless promotion of NBA basketball.”
Prior recipients are Rudy Tomjanovich (2024), Rick Adelman (2023), Mike Fratello (2022), Larry Brown (2021), Del Harris (2020), Frank Layden (2019), Doug Moe (2018), Al Attles and Hubie Brown (2017), Okay.C. Jones and Jerry Sloan (2016), Dick Motta (2015), Bernie Bickerstaff (2014), Invoice Fitch (2013), Pat Riley (2012), Lenny Wilkens (2011), Jack Ramsay and Tex Winter (2010) and Tommy Heinsohn (2009).