Don Nelson Receives the Chuck Daly Award: NBA Legend Recognition

Don Nelson Receives the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award

Oklahoma City – Don Nelson, an emblematic figure in basketball, has been awarded the prestigious Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award. This recognition, granted by the National Basketball Coaches Association, celebrates Nelson’s outstanding career in the NBA.

The announcement was made on Sunday, marking a special moment in the prelude to the second game of the NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Nelson, a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame and three-time NBA Coach of the Year, has left an indelible mark on the sport.

History already reflects Don Nelson’s amazing contributions as a cutting-edge innovator and visionary of the NBA game.
Rick Carlisle, Pacers coach and NBCA president

At 85 years old, Nelson retired in 2010 as the coach with the most wins in NBA history, with 1,335 victories. His impact on the game was significant, implementing offensive and defensive strategies that revolutionized the league. Nelson is one of only two coaches in NBA history to achieve at least 250 wins with three different franchises: Milwaukee, Dallas, and Golden State. He also briefly coached the New York Knicks. The relationship between Nelson and Chuck Daly was one of friendship and respect. They faced each other as coaches 41 times, with a record of 21-20 in favor of Nelson.

Chuck was an absolute genius in all facets of the game and of life. I am glad to have had the opportunity to coach against him, learn from him, and benefit from his knowledge.
Don Nelson

As a player, Nelson won five championships with the Boston Celtics. His offensive approach, known as “Nellie Ball”, transformed the way basketball was played. His impact was especially felt in Golden State during the “Run TMC” era, with Tim Hardaway, Mitch Richmond, and Chris Mullin.

The award, in memory of Daly, celebrates his integrity, competitive excellence, and tireless promotion of NBA basketball.