NBA world reacts to Don Nelson’s death, including Dirk Nowitzki and Steph Curry

Don Nelson, whose 1,335 career wins as an NBA head coach rank second all-time, died Sunday at 86, his family announced in a statement.

Nelson was inducted to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012 after 31 years as a head coach, including stints with the Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors and Dallas Mavericks. In Nelson’s second year with the Mavericks in 1998, the team drafted Dirk Nowitzki, laying the foundation for an eventual championship in 2011.

Though Rick Carlisle was coach of the Mavericks by that point, Nowitzki tweeted a heartfelt message crediting Nelson for building him into the Hall of Fame player he became.

Nellie… You didn’t just draft me. You believed in me. You saw things in my game before I ever realized I could do them. I’ve said it a million times and I will always say it: I don’t think my career could have turned out how it did without you being my first coach and giving me…

— Dirk Nowitzki (@swish41) August 9, 2026

Others around the NBA also reacted to the legendary coach’s death, including Stephen Curry, who the Warriors drafted in Nelson’s final year as a coach in 2009-10.

Steph Curry posted a tribute to his former Warriors coach Don Nelson 💙💛

(via @stephencurry30/IG) pic.twitter.com/NrAw8V1r1C

— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) August 9, 2026

It’s a sad day for basketball with the passing of Don Nelson.

I have so much respect for him and everything he did for the game, especially the way he believed in international players. I’m grateful for the time I spent with him.

Thinking of the entire Nelson family today. I… pic.twitter.com/GqIobWNB9i

— Luka Dončić (@lukadoncic) August 9, 2026

Golden State Warriors mourn the passing of Don Nelson: pic.twitter.com/IfF3g2AW1v

— Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) August 9, 2026

RIP Nellie pic.twitter.com/vfyoaZrgV4

— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) August 9, 2026

A basketball innovator. A Mavericks legend. An impact that will never be forgotten.

We mourn the passing of former Mavericks head coach Don Nelson and celebrate a life that left an incredible mark on our franchise and the game of basketball.

Rest in peace, Nellie. #MFFLpic.twitter.com/BcLDKkIEO7

— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) August 9, 2026

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Hall of Fame head coach Don Nelson. pic.twitter.com/CAhGYhAUXo

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) August 9, 2026

The entire Knicks organization is saddened to hear of the passing of Basketball Hall of Famer and former Knicks head coach, Don Nelson. Our deepest condolences go to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/rXyC36B7ML

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) August 9, 2026

Hearts are heavy at the Nasmith Basketball Hall of Fame as we remember Don Nelson, who left an indelible mark on the sport of basketball as a player, coach, and general manager.

Nellie is still the only person to win multiple NBA championships as a player and then win over 1,000… pic.twitter.com/T2iqwe0pjR

— Basketball HOF (@Hoophall) August 9, 2026

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Don Nelson: pic.twitter.com/EGpWLyte2y

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) August 9, 2026

This article originally appeared on For The Win: NBA world reacts to Don Nelson’s death, including Dirk Nowitzki and Steph Curry