In 1992, Don Nelson became the first person in NBA history to tally 2,500 games (regular season and Playoffs) as a player and coach. Nelson also holds the record for the most wins of any NBA coach with 1,335. Nelson first joined the NBA as a player for the Chicago Zephyrs. He spent two seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers and finished his career with the Boston Celtics. With the Celtics, he won five NBA Championships and the team retired his no. 19 jersey. Nelson is perhaps best remembered for his coaching style and innovative tactics such as, the point forward, which is a staple for entry-level teams today. He ended his coaching career with 2398 games and a 1335-1063 (.557) record. Nelson was named one of the Top 10 coaches in NBA history and was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012.
Today in Sports History: March 12
CHICAGO, IL - 1994: Head coach Don Nelson of the USA Men's National Team during practice in 1994 at the Solheim Center of the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1994 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)