In the wake of the passing of Hall of Fame Boston Celtics forward Don Nelson, the Celtics have released a statement. After having left us at 86 years of age, the legendary Boston alum touched countless lives across the NBA and beyond it over the course of his career in the league as a player, head coach, and an executive. "Don Nelson's success as a Hall of Fame Coach is so vast, that it could overshadow his playing career, but it would be a mistake to do so," recalled the Celtics release.
"A favorite of (iconic Celtics general manager and head coach) Red Auerbach's, 'Nellie' was a tough and reliable all-around player whose tenacity and ability to 'think the game' was on full display throughout his 11 seasons with the Boston Celtics," it continues, "where he was a key member of five championship teams across two eras."
"His most celebrated moment as a player came in Game 7 of the 1969 NBA Finals against his former team the Los Angeles Lakers, when Nelson converted one of the most famous shots in playoff history—a foul-line jumper which dropped through the basket after hitting the back rim and bouncing several feet straight up," it adds.
"The shot, taken with just over a minute to go in the game and the Celtics clinging to a 103–102 lead, was an essential play in helping secure Boston's 11th NBA ****** le in 13 seasons," closes the release.
"Nellie's number 19 was raised shortly after he retired following yet another championship season in 1976. The Celtics extend our deep condolences to Nelson's family, loved ones, and everyone he touched through his rich and impactful life in basketball and beyond."
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"A favorite of (iconic Celtics general manager and head coach) Red Auerbach's, 'Nellie' was a tough and reliable all-around player whose tenacity and ability to 'think the game' was on full display throughout his 11 seasons with the Boston Celtics," it continues, "where he was a key member of five championship teams across two eras."
"His most celebrated moment as a player came in Game 7 of the 1969 NBA Finals against his former team the Los Angeles Lakers, when Nelson converted one of the most famous shots in playoff history—a foul-line jumper which dropped through the basket after hitting the back rim and bouncing several feet straight up," it adds.
"The shot, taken with just over a minute to go in the game and the Celtics clinging to a 103–102 lead, was an essential play in helping secure Boston's 11th NBA ****** le in 13 seasons," closes the release.
"Nellie's number 19 was raised shortly after he retired following yet another championship season in 1976. The Celtics extend our deep condolences to Nelson's family, loved ones, and everyone he touched through his rich and impactful life in basketball and beyond."
#touched
14 hours ago
