Remembering the man who changed modern basketball

NPR | By Jeffrey Pierre,

Justine Kenin, Juana Summers

Published August 11, 2026 at 2:37 PM MDT

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As a manager, Don Nelson changed the game of basketball. He died Sunday at the age of 86. We remember his legacy with longtime basketball reporter Mack MacMullan.

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Jeffrey Pierre

Jeffrey Pierre is an editor and producer on the Education Desk.

See stories by Jeffrey Pierre

Justine Kenin

Justine Kenin is an editor on All Things Considered.

Juana Summers

Juana Summers is a host of NPR's All Things Considered.

See stories by Juana Summers

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