Dirk Nowitzki wrote that Don Nelson was "one of a kind" and Rick Carlisle praised his innovative coaching style as greats from around the NBA gathered to honor the Hall of Fame coach following his death at the age of 86.

Don Nelson, a five-time NBA champion with the Boston Celtics as a player and one of the winningest coaches in league history, died Sunday at 86, his family announced in a statement.

Don Nelson, the second-winningest coach in NBA history, has died at the age of 86. Nelson’s family says he died Sunday but did not say where or provide a cause of death.

Don Nelson was one of two coaches in NBA history to have at least 250 wins with three different franchises — Milwaukee, Dallas and Golden State.

Don Nelson, the late NBA legend and five-time champion, leaves behind a blended family of six children, including basketball executive Donnie Nelson, who continued his father’s legacy in the sport.

Notable reaction to the death of Don Nelson, the NBA's second-winningest coach: “Don Nelson was one of the most innovative and influential coaches in the history of the NBA and an iconic figure in Warriors history.

Don Nelson was as complex as coaches come, but he understood something special: That what makes people difficult can also make them great.

That same year, his battles weren't just related to basketball. As it turns out, Nelson was vehemently opposed to NBA rules that prohibited head coaches from wearing logoed shoes during games. The Association wanted them to wear dress shoes or anything without the company's emblem.

Don Nelson, the second-winningest coach in NBA history and a five-time champion as a player, died at the age of 86 on Sunday.

Don Nelson, who won five titles as a player and later became the second-winningest coach in NBA history, died Sunday at 86.

Friends and family mourn legendary Dallas Mavericks coach Don Nelson, who passed at 86. Nelson's legacy includes five NBA championships and a transformative impact.