Don Nelson Receives Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award

OKLAHOMA CITY – Former University of Iowa men’s basketball student-athlete Don Nelson has been named the recipient of the 2025 Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award, it was announced Sunday by the National Basketball Coaches Association.

“History has already reflected Don Nelson’s staggering contributions as a cutting-edge innovator and visionary of the NBA game,” said Indiana Pacers Head Coach and NBCA President Rick Carlisle. “Back in the ’80s and ’90s, he made teams adjust to historic pace, liberal 3-point shooting, inverted offense, and disruptive defensive schemes. All this while establishing himself as one of the most compelling personalities in all of professional sports. I’m certain that Chuck Daly would agree that our beloved ‘Nellie’ is most deserving of this prestigious recognition.”

“I’m extremely grateful and humbled to receive this incredible honor and join the exclusive list of coaches who have preceded me,” said Nelson. “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 served as an NBA head coach for 31 seasons, with the Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, and Dallas Mavericks. During his illustrious career, he amassed a 1,335-1063 (.557) record and currently ranks second all-time in wins and games coached (2,398). Known for his unorthodox and innovative basketball philosophy, Nelson led his teams to the playoffs 18 times and won eight division championships.

Nelson played collegiately at the University of Iowa, where he was named Team MVP, All-Big Ten, and twice an All-American. Drafted 17th overall in the 1962 NBA Draft by the Chicago Zephyrs, Nelson was best known for his playing tenure with the Boston Celtics. He helped the Celtics win five NBA championships (1966, 1968, 1969, 1974, and 1976) and was an “iron man” who appeared in 465 consecutive games.

In 1976, Nelson began his coaching career in Milwaukee, where he guided the Bucks for 11 seasons, including winning seven straight division titles. It was in Milwaukee where Nelson pioneered the concept of the point forward. The small ball offensive concept, famously coined “Nellie Ball,” is still used by professional, collegiate, and international teams across the globe.

In 1988, Nelson became head coach and vice president of the Warriors, with whom he coached for seven seasons and led to four playoff appearances. He instilled an up-tempo style of offense, which artistically played to the strengths of “Run TMC” – Tim Hardaway, Mitch Richmond, and Chris Mullin.

In 1995, Nelson became the head coach of the Knicks and later was named the head coach and general manager of the Mavericks, whom he led to four consecutive 50-win seasons. In 2006, Nelson began a second head coaching stint with the Warriors. He finished his coaching career In Golden State, retiring in 2010.

In addition to his tremendous success in the NBA coaching ranks, Nelson served as head coach of the 1994 U.S. Men’s National Team (Dream Team II) at the FIBA World Championship. He coached future stars and Hall of Famers Derrick Coleman, Joe Dumars, Kevin Johnson, Larry Johnson, Shawn Kemp, Dan Majerle, Reggie Miller, Alonzo Mourning, Shaquille O’Neal, Mark Price, Steve Smith, and Dominique Wilkins to an undefeated record (8-0) and the gold medal in Toronto.

Nelson was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a coach in 2012. He was also selected as the NBA Coach of the Year three times (1983, 1985, and 1992) and voted both a Top 10 (1997) and Top 15 (2022) Coach in NBA history.

“Don Nelson is widely respected for his ability to innovate and find creative ways to win with his superstar talents,” said David Fogel, NBCA Executive Director and General Counsel. “His long-term success with multiple franchises is a testament to his leadership and commitment to winning. Congratulations to Nellie on this most deserving recognition.”

The National Basketball Coaches Association’s Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award honors the memory of Hall of Fame Coach Chuck Daly, who, over an outstanding NBA coaching career, set a standard for integrity, competitive excellence, and tireless promotion of NBA basketball. The award is determined annually by a Selection Committee composed of some of the most respected coaches and basketball executives in the game, including Bernie Bickerstaff, Billy Cunningham, Joe Dumars, Phil Jackson, Gregg Popovich, Pat Riley, Donnie Walsh, and Lenny Wilkens.

Prior recipients are 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).