Don Nelson Honored with NBA's Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award After HOF Career

The National Basketball Coaches Association announced Sunday that Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame coach Don Nelson has been honored with the 2025 Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award.

"I'm extremely grateful and humbled to receive this incredible honor and join the exclusive list of coaches who have preceded me," Nelson said in a statement. "Chuck Daly was a dear friend of mine and someone I respected immensely due to his class, character, and of course, his coaching ability. He may not have influenced my wardrobe, but Chuck certainly had a lasting impact on my coaching philosophy, style, and most importantly, how I managed the personalities on a roster. Chuck was an absolute genius in all facets of the game and life. I'm glad I had the opportunity to coach against him, learn from him, and benefit from his knowledge. To say that I'm deeply touched to receive an award that bears his name would be an understatement. This is special."

Nelson, 85, was a head coach for the Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks across 31 seasons, compiling a 1,335-1,063 record. He's second in NBA history in both wins and games coached, trailing only Gregg Popovich in the former (1,422) and Lenny Wilins in the latter (2,487).

His teams reached the postseason 18 times and the conference finals three times, and he was voted NBA Coach of the Year three times.

He also won five NBA titles as a player with the Boston Celtics and held a number of front-office roles after his playing days.

He joins an illustrious group of Prior Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award winners, including Rudy Tomjanovich (2024); Rick Adelman (2023); Mike Fratello (2022); Larry Brown (2021); Del Harris (2020); Frank Layden (2019); Doug Moe (2018); Al Attles and Hubie Brown (2017); K.C. Jones and Jerry Sloan (2016); Dick Motta (2015); Bernie Bickerstaff (2014); Bill Fitch (2013); Pat Riley (2012); Lenny Wilkens (2011); Jack Ramsay and Tex Winter (2010); and Tommy Heinsohn (2009).