Don Nelson gave his Hall Of Fame speech on Friday night, and he basically gave an oral history of his playing career all the way through his coaching career, which included his first head coaching with the Milwaukee Bucks back in 1976.
Basketball Hall Of Fame 2012: Don Nelson Was Thankful For Working With Great Assistant Coaches
Nelson recalled that he did not think he was ready to be a head coach but was given the job anyway, and at the end of the season, options would be discussed. He ended up keeping that job for the next 11 years, and that would be the beginning of a very long and successful coaching career.
Nelson was grateful for all of his assistant coaches that he worked with over the past 30-plus years of being an NBA head coach, and he gave them all credit Friday night. One touching moment was when Nelson mentioned how great it was to be able to work alongside his son Donnie Nelson for so many years, and encouraged anyone who has that chance to work with their child to do that.
It’s known that Nelson is a bit of a character, and at the end of his speech, for whatever reason, he gave a shout out to a watch company in Detroit for making American-made watches.
He then mentioned that he was off to Hawaii because he said there is “life after basketball,” and at 72 years old Nelson has finally realized that after being inducted into the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame.
Stick with this stream for more on the 2012 Basketball Hall of Fame ceremonies, or head to our dedicated SB Nation NBA hub for more basketball.
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