One of the most eccentric and impactful coaches in the history of basketball, Don Nelson, has passed away at the age of 86. The family has issued this statement:“On Sunday morning our beloved husband, dad, grandfather and great-grandfather Don Nelson… pic.twitter.com/MkDMNugYcu — Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) August 9, 2026We are deeply saddened by the passing of Hall of Fame head coach Don Nelson. pic.twitter.com/CAhGYhAUXo — Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) August 9, 2026The passing of former Bucks coach Don Nelson hits hard. But he was an innovator, hated conformity, was a champion for farmers, and coached some great, great Bucks teams. pic.twitter.com/cwhkSRqnUM — Doug Russell (@DougRussell) August 9, 2026Nellie was a great coach, a creative coach, a player’s coach.