Don Nelson, the innovative, cigar-chomping basketball mind who revitalized the Dallas Mavericks franchise and transformed the modern NBA with his fast-paced "Nellie Ball" offense, died Sunday. Hall of Fame NBA coach Don Nelson diesNelson's death was announced by the Golden State Warriors, one of three franchises he coached during his Hall of Fame career. What they're saying:Dallas Mavericks Governor Patrick Dumont on the passing of Mavericks legend Don Nelson:"Don Nelson was a true original whose impact on the Dallas Mavericks and the game of basketball will endure for generations. In Dallas, Nelson forged a powerful partnership with his son, Donnie Nelson, who joined the staff as an assistant coach in 1998. In his final season as an NBA head coach in 2009-10, Nelson mentored a rookie guard named Stephen Curry.