Don Nelson’s Disapproval of Luka Dončić Trade
A notable event occurred recently in Oklahoma City, where legendary coach Don Nelson took the opportunity presented by receiving the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award to express his strong disapproval of the Dallas Mavericks’ decision to trade Luka Dončić. Speaking after being honored by the National Basketball Coaches Association, the 85-year-old Nelson voiced his concerns regarding the trade that sent Dončić away from the Mavericks, referring to it as a “tremendous mistake” by the organization.
Personal Connection and Shared Stance
Nelson, who played a pivotal role as both coach and general manager of the Mavericks from 1997 until 2005, shared a personal connection to Dončić, noting,
“He is a dear friend of mine.”
To make his displeasure known, he wore a pair of Dončić’s new Nike signature shoes during the ceremony. His son, Donnie Nelson, who was responsible for drafting Dončić, also donned the same footwear, emphasizing their shared stance against the trade.
Acknowledgment at the Ceremony
The atmosphere at the award ceremony also featured Rick Carlisle, a former Mavericks coach who now leads the Indiana Pacers. Introduced by Carlisle, Donnie Nelson received acknowledgment for his contributions, particularly in selecting both Dončić and current Knicks star Jalen Brunson, highlighting their impact on the Mavericks—players now absent from the team.
Coaching Philosophy Highlights
Reflecting on his coaching philosophy, Nelson attributed his approach to team building to the legendary Red Auerbach, insisting that a franchise should retain its star players rather than trade them.
“You keep him for a lifetime. You put his number up and you honor that player.”
He emphasized the importance of surrounding such talent with additional pieces to enhance the team’s strengths rather than dismantling it through trades.
Critical Notes and Career Reflection
Notably, neither he nor Carlisle elected to mention current Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison, the individual responsible for the trade involving Dončić and Anthony Davis, nor the circumstances of Brunson’s departure as a free agent. In a critical side note, Nelson reminisced about his past frustrations, recalling how failing to retain iconic player Steve Nash two decades ago had strained his relationship with Mavericks owner Mark Cuban.
Significance of the Award
Wrapping up his speech, Nelson, who boasts a remarkable coaching career with over 1,335 wins across various teams—including the Mavericks, Golden State Warriors, Knicks, and Milwaukee Bucks—expressed that receiving the Chuck Daly Award held similar significance to him as his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012.
