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Don Nelson to Receive Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award Before NBA Finals Game 2

Selected by NBA legends, Nelson is honored for a career defined by innovative strategies that reshaped league pace.

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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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Golden State Warriors head coach Don Nelson hugs Stephen Curry, (30), as they celebrate their win over the Detroit Pistons on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010 at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif. The Warriors defeat the Pistons 95-88. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Staff)

Overview

  • Nelson will formally receive the award prior to Game 2 of the NBA Finals on June 8, 2025, in Oklahoma City during the matchup between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder.
  • He retired in 2010 with 1,335 career coaching wins, a mark that stood as the NBA record until Gregg Popovich surpassed it in March 2022.
  • Across four franchises — Milwaukee, Golden State, New York and Dallas — Nelson led his teams to 18 playoff appearances and is one of two coaches with at least 250 wins at three different clubs.
  • Nelson is credited with pioneering “Nellie Ball,” an up-tempo style featuring the point forward and liberal three-point shooting that shaped modern NBA strategies.
  • Named for Chuck Daly, the award honors his integrity and competitive excellence and is selected by a panel including Phil Jackson, Gregg Popovich, Lenny Wilkens, Pat Riley, Donnie Walsh and Joe Dumars.