Don Nelson and Stephen Curry (via Getty)
Nelson spent 11 seasons with Boston and won five NBA championships as a player. 19 retired by the franchise in 1978. He became an important member of the Celtics’ successful teams and had his jersey No.
Don Nelson, one of the most influential coaches in NBA history, died peacefully at the age of 86. The five-time NBA champion as a player later became a coaching pioneer and played an important role in the Golden State Warriors drafting Stephen Curry in 2009. 7 pick. He first entered the NBA in 1962 after being selected No. 3 overall by the Chicago Zephyrs. He collected 1,335 regular-season victories before retiring in 2010. Before the 2009 NBA Draft, Curry was expected by many to be selected by the New York Knicks with the eighth pick.
Because of concerns about his size, playmaking and ankles, several teams passed on him.
Curry once said Nelson was one of the main reasons he ended up with Golden State. However, Nelson strongly believed in his talent. His support helped convince Golden State to select Curry with the No. That decision eventually changed the history of the Warriors and the NBA. Don Nelson enjoyed an extraordinary career as both a player and coach. He later played for the Los Angeles Lakers before joining the Boston Celtics. Gregg Popovich later moved past him to become the NBA’s winningest coach. Dan Nelson’s biggest lasting contribution to the Warriors may have been his role in bringing Stephen Curry to the franchise. He remembered Nelson as a coach who challenged him from his first day and gave him the confidence to develop his game.
Curry was not viewed as a guaranteed NBA star before the draft. His family confirmed that he passed away on Sunday surrounded by loved ones.