Basketball Hall of Famer Don Nelson, one of the most accomplished figures in NBA history as both a player and coach, has died at the age of 86, his family announced on Sunday.

Nelson died peacefully in the morning surrounded by his family, according to a statement released by his loved ones.

The family said friends and relatives had gathered around him during his final week, sharing memories and celebrating his life.

'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,' the family said in a statement.

Nelson built an extraordinary legacy during a career that spanned more than five decades. As a player, he won five NBA championships with the Boston Celtics, becoming part of one of the most dominant eras in franchise history. His championships came in 1966, 1968, 1969, 1974 and 1976.

A versatile forward known for his toughness and intelligence, Nelson spent 11 seasons with the Celtics after beginning his professional career with the Chicago Zephyrs and Los Angeles Lakers.

Boston retired his No. 19 jersey in recognition of his contribution to the franchise. Nelson later moved into coaching and established himself as one of the most influential and innovative minds in NBA history.

He won the NBA Coach of the Year award three times, with the honours coming in 1983, 1985 and 1992.

Over a coaching career that included the Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks, Nelson became known for his unconventional tactics and willingness to challenge traditional basketball thinking.

He finished his coaching career with 1,335 regular-season victories, a mark that stood as the NBA record until Gregg Popovich surpassed it in 2022.

Nelson was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012, cementing his status among the game's all-time greats.

His coaching career also included two NBA All-Star Game appearances as a head coach. In 2025, Nelson received the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award, another recognition of his enduring impact on basketball.

Nelson's death marks the passing of a rare basketball figure who achieved championship success from the court and later built an equally distinguished legacy from the sidelines.

His influence continues to be reflected in the evolution of NBA tactics and the generations of players and coaches he helped shape.