Former Dallas Mavericks coach Don Nelson will make another addition to his already long list of awards.
Nelson is the winner of this year’s Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award, the National Basketball Coaches Association announced Sunday. The NBCA annually presents the award, which is named after Hall of Fame coach Chuck Daly.
The NBCA would like to congratulate longtime @nba Coach Don Nelson on being awarded the 2025 Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award!
Click ‘News’ on the link in our bio to read the full press release. pic.twitter.com/Dr3OCv8yuJ
— NBA Coaches Assoc. (@NBA_Coaches) June 8, 2025
In the past, NBCA president Rick Carlisle has presented recipients with the award at Game 2 of the NBA Finals. Carlisle will have to juggle the award presentation with his coaching gig as his Indiana Pacers are facing the Thunder in Oklahoma City.
Mavericks
Nelson told NBA insider Marc Stein that he plans to pay tribute to former Mavericks star Luka Doncic with his outfit choice for the award ceremony. Nelson said he plans to protest the February trade that sent Doncic from Dallas to Los Angeles by wearing the Slovenian superstar’s signature shoe.
Nelson’s son, Donnie Nelson, was general manager of the Mavericks when they selected Doncic in the 2018 NBA draft.
Don Nelson, 85, had a successful run as an NBA head coach from 1976-2010. He led the Mavericks from 1997-2005, posting a 339-251 record in Dallas.
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