Don Nelson

Don Nelson is a former professional basketball player and current head coach of the NBA's Golden State Warriors.

On February 21, 2009, Don Nelson earned his 1,300th career victory. Nelson coached the Golden State Warriors to a 133-120 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder.Yahoo! Sports: Don Nelson gets win No. 1,300 for Warriors (February 21, 2009)

Don Nelson became head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks in 1976, winning NBA Coach of the Year in 1983 and 1985. In 1988, Nelson became coach and vice president of the Golden State Warriors. He was again named Coach of the Year in 1992.

After coaching the New York Knicks, Nelson was named Head Coach and General Manager of the Dallas Mavericks in 1999. He would step down from his positions in 2005 to allow Avery Johnson to take over coaching duties.

Nelson returned to coach the Warriors in 2006, leading the team to their first playoff appearance in 13 years in 2007. An 8th seed in the playoffs, the Warriors upset the top-seeded Dallas Mavericks in six games.NBA.com: Don Nelson

On October 26, 2008, Nelson signed a two-year extension with the Golden State Warriors. The contract is reportedly for $12 million with money deferred.ESPN.com: Warriors coach Nelson says he's honored to get extension(October 26, 2008)

• Points: 10,898
• Rebounds: 5,192
• Assists: 1,526

• Milwaukee Bucks (1976–1987)
• New York Knicks (1995–1996)
• Dallas Mavericks (1997–2005)
• Golden State Warriors (1988–1995, 2006–present)

• May 15, 1940: Born in Muskegon, Michigan

• 1962: Graduates from University of Iowa as a two time All-American, drafted by the Chicago Zephyrs

• 1976: Retires from playing, takes over as General Manager and Coach of the Milwaukee Bucks

• 1978: Number 19 is retired by the Boston Celtics

• 1983: NBA Coach of the Year Award

• 1985: NBA Coach of the Year Award

• 1992: NBA Coach of the Year Award

• 1997: Named Head Coach and General Manager of the Dallas Mavericks

• 2005: Steps down as Mavericks Head Coach

• 2006: Becomes head coach of the Golden State Warriors

• 2007: Leads Warriors to first playoff appearance since 1994