Remembering former Celtics star and legendary NBA coach Don Nelson

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• Remembering former Celtics star and legendary NBA coach Don Nelson

  Don Nelson played for the Boston Celtics from 1965 to 1976 after stints with the Chicago Zephyrs and Los Angeles Lakers. Neslon was a clutch sixth man and frontcourt reserve under legendary coaches Red Auerbach, Bill Russell, and Tom Heinsohn. Nelson's famous bouncing, back-rim jumper in Game 7 of the 1969 Finals against the Lakers to help secure the title was his shining highlight. Nelson won five rings during his Celtics career and his #19 was retired by the team in 1978.

  Publisher:Celtics LifeArticle published: 2026-08-10 19:34:13.570Z

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• Don Nelson, 2nd-winningest NBA coach who won 5 titles as Celtics player, dies at 86

  Don Nelson, the second-winningest coach in NBA history who won five championships as a player with the Boston Celtics, died Sunday at 86 years old.

  Publisher:Yahoo Sports NBAArticle published: 2026-08-09 15:10:33 UTC