On Sunday, renowned NBA coach Don Nelson, the second-winningest in league history, passed away at the age of 86. The news reached Luka Doncic during a press conference, prompting an immediate tribute to the Hall of Fame coach who once protested his trade out of Dallas by wearing Doncic's sneakers. Doncic's connection to Nelson extended beyond ordinary player-legend admiration; Nelson became one of Doncic's most vocal defenders after Dallas traded him in 2025, even wearing Doncic's signature shoes during the 2025 NBA Finals. The Mavericks organization also expressed their condolences, while other notable figures like Dirk Nowitzki, Stephen Curry, and Steve Kerr shared personal tributes. Nelson's influence on the NBA, particularly his advocacy for international players and innovative coaching strategies, left a lasting impact on the sport. His cause of death has not been disclosed.