Dirk Nowitzki’s emotional thank you to Don Nelson will bring tears

Former Dallas Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki is paying tribute to the late NBA coach Don Nelson. Nelson passed away, it was announced on Sunday, at the age of 86.

Nowitzki released an emotional tribute on social media to his former mentor. Nelson coached the Mavericks from 1997-2005.

“Nellie… You didn’t just draft me. You believed in me. You saw things in my game before I ever realized I could do them. I’ve said it a million times and I will always say it: I don’t think my career could have turned out how it did without you being my first coach and giving me the freedom to play my game. I can only say THANK YOU. For everything,” Nowitzki posted to X, formerly Twitter. “RIP legend.”

Nelson coached several NBA clubs in his tenure, including the Mavericks. He didn’t win a championship with Dallas, but Nowitzki would go on to win an NBA title with the team in 2011.

As a player, Nelson won five NBA titles. He won all of them playing with the Boston Celtics. Nelson also played with the Chicago Zephyrs and Los Angeles Lakers.

Nelson coached the Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, Milwaukee Bucks and Mavericks. A cause of death was not released by his family.

“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,” the Nelson family said in a statement, per the New York Post. “Throughout his last week, friends and family encircled him with love, sharing the blessing of his friendship and revisiting treasured memories.”

Nowitzki meanwhile spent his entire playing career with the Mavericks. He last played in the NBA in 2019. Mavericks fans everywhere are clearly saddened to hear of Nelson’s passing.

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