OKLAHOMA CITY —Don Nelson, a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame coach and one of only two coaches in NBA history to lead three teams to at least 250 wins, is the recipient of the 2025 Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award, the National Basketball Coaches Association (NBCA) announced today.

“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 b

See Full Page