Don Nelson, the second-winningest coach in NBA history who won five championships as a player with the Boston Celtics, died Sunday. “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 statement said. Boston Celtics' Don Nelson (19) goes to the basket against Milwaukee's Cornell Warner (35) during a NBA Championship game on May 12, 1974. “Don Nelson was a true innovator whose influence on the game of basketball is still felt today,” current Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “One of the big reasons I was drafted by the Warriors was because of Don Nelson.