Don Nelson, the Hall of Fame coach and second-winningest in NBA history, has died at the age of 86. His family announced the passing on Sunday, though they did not disclose the manner of death.
In a statement, the family said: "On Sunday morning our beloved husband, dad, grandfather and great-grandfather Don Nelson peacefully went to be with the Lord, surrounded by his loving family."
Nelson retired in 2010 as the all-time leader with 1,335 regular-season coaching victories, a record later surpassed by San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich (1,390). His fast-paced style, using smaller athletic players, became known as "Nellie Ball."
The three-time Coach of the Year did not win an NBA title during his 31-year coaching tenure with the Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks. He did, however, record 13 seasons of 50 or more wins, twice reaching 60.
As a player, Nelson won five NBA titles in 11 seasons with the Boston Celtics. He was the No. 3 overall pick in 1962 and averaged a career-best 15.4 points and 7.3 rebounds in 1969-70. The Celtics retired his No. 19 jersey in 1978.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver said: "Don Nelson revolutionized NBA basketball through his fearlessness, ingenuity and deep conviction."