Don Nelson

Donald Arvid Nelson (born May 15, 1940 in Muskegon, Michigan) is former coach of the Dallas Mavericks of the NBA. Don Nelson had a career record of 339-251 as the Mavericks head coach. He was an instrumental part of the team, scouting players such as Dirk Nowitzki, Josh Howard and Marquis Daniels. He stepped down as the Mavericks coach on March 19 2005, turning the reins over to Avery Johnson (a former Maverick guard). He has also coached for the Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors and a short stint with the New York Knicks.

Coaching History

Don Nelson took over the reigns of General Manager and Coach of the Milwaukee Bucks in 1976 and began to show what would later become his signature style of wheeling and dealing players. He made his first trade of Swen Nater to the Buffalo Braves and turned the draft pick he received into Marques Johnson, who had a solid career with the Bucks. He earned NBA Coach of the Year honors in 1983 and 1985. He would leave Milwaukee after 7 seasons with over 50 wins in a season.

Related Topics:
Milwaukee Bucks - 1976 - Buffalo Braves - NBA Coach of the Year

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After a year's hiatus, Nelson then became Coach and Vice President of the Golden State Warriors, and was named NBA Coach of the Year a third time. He recruited tons of talent at Golden State with players such as Tim Hardaway, Latrell Sprewell, and Chris Webber. He left Golden State after disputes with Webber and a 14-31 start. He was invited to coach the Dream Team II at the 1994 World Championships in Toronto. He accepted and led them to the Gold Medal. In 1995, Nelson would begin his stint with the Knicks, which lasted from July until March of 1996. Nelson had many personal problems with the players, and led them to a lack luster 34-25 start. Nelson took over in Dallas in 1997, and led them to 4 consecutive 50 win seasons. In early 2005, Nelson stepped down as Dallas' Head Coach, naming Avery Johnson as his successor. Nelson still retains his job as Dallas' GM, however.

Related Topics:
Golden State Warriors - Tim Hardaway - Latrell Sprewell - Chris Webber - Dream Team II - Toronto - 2005 - Avery Johnson

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