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.

Playing Career

In 1962, Don Nelson graduated from Iowa University as a two time All-American averaging 21.1 points and 10.5 rebounds a game. He was drafted 19th overall by the Chicago Zephyrs of the NBA. He played for the Zephyrs for two years until being sold to the Los Angeles Lakers in 1964. He was released the following year (1965) and signed by the Boston Celtics. Nelson completed his best NBA season averaging 10.2 points and 5.4 rebounds, and led the Celtics to NBA title as one of their role players. Nelson was coined as one of the "best sixth men" ever to play in the NBA. In 1976, Nelson began his career as an assistant coach for the Milwaukee Bucks, while still playing as a player for the team. He retired from playing after a 14 year tenure as a player. His number 19 was retired in the Boston Garden rafters in 1978, and still stands today at the Garden's replacement, TD Banknorth Garden.

Coaching History

Don Nelson took over the reigns of General Manager and Coach of the Milwaukee Bucks and begins 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 recieved 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, never having won an NBA title. 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.