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17h ago

Don Nelson Honored with 2025 Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award Before NBA Finals Game 2

It pays tribute to Chuck Daly by spotlighting Nelson’s 'Nellie Ball' innovations with 1,335 career victories.

Jun 8, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; former general manager Don Nelson speaks to the media before game two between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers in the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
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Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers brings the ball up court during the first quarter against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena on April 11, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
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Overview

  • Nelson accepted an NBA Finals invitation for the first time in years to personally receive the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award.
  • He is a Basketball Hall of Famer and three-time NBA Coach of the Year whose 31-season career yielded 1,335 wins, ranking second in league history.
  • Nelson’s 'Nellie Ball' revolution introduced up-tempo offense and the point forward role, influencing today’s NBA strategies.
  • A selection committee of Hall of Fame coaches—including Phil Jackson, Gregg Popovich, Lenny Wilkens and Pat Riley—chose Nelson for the honor.
  • His coaching stints with Milwaukee, Dallas, Golden State and New York resulted in 18 playoff berths across 31 seasons.