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Don Nelson earns lifetime achievement award, rips Mavericks

Sun Jun 8 11:21pm ET
Field Level Media

Basketball Hall of Famer Don Nelson was presented with a lifetime achievement award Sunday night and then trashed one of his former franchises for trading Luka Doncic.

Nelson played 14 NBA seasons from 1962-76, ranks second in NBA history with 1,335 regular-season coaching victories over 31 seasons and guided his teams to 18 playoff appearances before retiring in 2010. He held the victories record until Gregg Popovich passed him in 2022.

Those accomplishments helped the 85-year-old get presented with the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award on Sunday night in Oklahoma City. The award is given out by the National Basketball Coaches Association.

"History has already reflected Don Nelson's staggering contributions as a cutting-edge innovator and visionary of the NBA game," Indiana Pacers coach and NBCA president Rick Carlisle said in a news release. "Back in the '80s and '90s, he made teams adjust to historic pace, liberal 3-point shooting, inverted offense and disruptive defensive schemes. All this while establishing himself as one of the most compelling personalities in all of professional sports."


Nelson had more than the award on his mind. One of his former teams, the Dallas Mavericks, made the highly criticized move of Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers prior to the trading deadline.

The trade upset Nelson and he picked his footwear to honor Doncic, who nearly single-handedly led the Mavericks to the 2024 NBA Finals.

"As a matter of fact, I want everybody to know I'm wearing Luka's shoes, his new shoes from Nike that just got on the market," Nelson said during a press conference before Game 2 of the NBA Finals. "I'm wearing them in protest for the trade from Dallas. Tremendous mistake by the Dallas franchise to trade him, and I want everybody to know that."

Nelson said his philosophy on star players was something that was developed during his playing career. He won five NBA titles while watching how Hall of Famer Red Auerbach put together and kept together the star-studded Boston Celtics, who were led by five-time MVP Bill Russell and 13-time All-Star John Havlicek.

"His philosophy was when you have a great player -- Bill Russell, Havlicek, Sam Jones, you name 'em -- you don't lose that player," Nelson said. "You keep him for a lifetime. You put his number up, and you honor that player. That's been my philosophy."

Nelson coached the Milwaukee Bucks and Golden State Warriors for 11 seasons apiece. After a 59-game stint with the New York Knicks in which he was fired in 1995-96, Nelson was coach and general manager of the Mavericks from 1997-2005. He later coached the Warriors for another four seasons.

Accolades aside, Nelson was honored to earn an honor named after the late Daly, who won back-to-back NBA titles with the Detroit Pistons in 1988-89 and 1989-90.

"Chuck was an absolute genius in all facets of the game and life," Nelson said. "I'm glad I had the opportunity to coach against him, learn from him and benefit from his knowledge. To say that I'm deeply touched to receive an award that bears his name would be an understatement. This is special."

Player Notes
Luka Doncic Fri Feb 13 8:30pm

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (hamstring) is on track to play during Sunday's All-Star Game, according to Marc Stein. He's expected to play a short stint in the game after missing the final four games ahead of the break due to a lingering hamstring injury. Doncic reportedly looked good during a recent workout and should be available for his exhibition, barring any setbacks. His role is unlikely to be significant, but basketball fans will be happy to see Doncic involved in any capacity. The fact that he's almost certainly going to play on Sunday should mean that Doncic will play during the first game after the break.

Chris Paul Fri Feb 13 8:20pm

According to Chris Haynes, Toronto Raptors guard Chris Paul has announced his retirement from the NBA after 21 seasons. Paul was waived by the organization after being acquired during the trade deadline. The veteran guard already announced that he's retiring after the season, but he has decided to step away now after being released. Paul was hopeful to retire as a member of the Los Angeles Clippers, but that didn't work out as planned. He'll finish his career as a 12-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA point guard, and with nine All-NBA defensive team honors. He'll certainly be a Hall of Famer and will be missed from the game of basketball.

Zach LaVine Fri Feb 13 8:10pm

According to Chris Haynes, Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine (hand) will undergo season-ending surgery on his finger. LaVine missed the last three games before the All-Star break due to this issue. It appears to be more serious than they expected, and now LaVine won't suit up during the second half of the season. In 39 games, LaVine averaged 19.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 31.4 minutes per game. He has a player option worth nearly $50 million for the 2026-2027 campaign. It's almost guaranteed that LaVine will accept that option, but the Kings might attempt to trade him in the off-season. In the meantime, Nique Clifford should remain in the starting five for the rest of the season. The rookie guard has been inconsistent as a scoring option, but is worth rostering in certain formats with LaVine no longer in the picture.

Deandre Ayton Fri Feb 13 8:10am

Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (knee) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against Dallas and is considered day to day after imaging showed no structural damage. He has now missed two straight contests. In his absence on Thursday, Jaxson Hayes started and delivered 16 points, seven rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block in 34 minutes, making him the clear streaming option if Ayton remains sidelined. Jarred Vanderbilt can chip in rebounds and defensive stats, but he is a fringe add. Ayton remains a hold in all formats.

LeBron James Fri Feb 13 8:00am

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James delivered 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists in 35 minutes in Thursday's 124-104 win over Dallas, becoming the oldest player to record a triple-double. With Luka Doncic (hamstring) sidelined and Austin Reaves still ramping up, James has steadied the offense and kept the Lakers' role players slotted cleanly. Doncic's eventual return could trim James' usage slightly, but the 41-year-old remains a must-start given his current playmaking spike. Rui Hachimura, Jake LaRavia, and Luke Kennard are the most likely to lose touches.

Luka Doncic Fri Feb 13 7:50am

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (hamstring) is expected to return Feb. 20 against the Clippers. Coach JJ Redick indicated Thursday that Doncic is trending in the right direction, with the team taking a cautious approach given the soft-tissue nature of the injury. Doncic has missed the last four games. His return would reclaim a 37.7 percent usage role, trimming minutes for Rui Hachimura, Jake LaRavia, Marcus Smart, and Luke Kennard. LeBron James and Austin Reaves could see slight usage dips, though both remain strong fantasy plays once Doncic is active.

Ja Morant Fri Feb 13 7:50am

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (elbow) is ramping up, but the team still is not sure he will be ready to play coming out of the All-Star break, general manager Zach Kleiman said Friday. Morant has been sidelined since Jan. 21 with a UCL sprain and is due for a recheck soon. In the meantime, Ty Jerome is the best streamer after logging 19 points and seven assists in 21 minutes Tuesday. Scotty Pippen Jr. and Cam Spencer round out the minutes, with steals and assists as their main appeal.

Oscar Tshiebwe Fri Feb 13 7:40am

Utah Jazz forward/center Oscar Tshiebwe (concussion) will not return to Thursday's loss to Portland after entering the league's concussion protocol. The two-way big logged five minutes before exiting and has appeared in just three games this season. With Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee) out for the year and Jusuf Nurkic (rest) questionable, Utah's frontcourt is thin. Kyle Filipowski stepped up with 15 points, nine rebounds, and six steals in 29 minutes and profiles as the primary beneficiary. Kevin Love could reenter the rotation if Tshiebwe misses time, but Filipowski is the clear fantasy add.

Naji Marshall Fri Feb 13 7:30am

Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Naji Marshall (foot) has been ruled out for the remainder of Thursday's game against the Lakers. Marshall produced 19 points on 8-of-13 shooting with two rebounds, four assists, and two steals in 29 minutes before exiting. He was already dealing with the foot issue entering the game, which raises concern about a potential aggravation. If he misses time, P.J. Washington should absorb more frontcourt responsibility, while Caleb Martin (ankle) could see an expanded role if cleared.

Daniel Gafford Fri Feb 13 7:20am

Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (ankle) will not return to Thursday's game against the Lakers. He finished with two points, six rebounds, and one block in 28 minutes before being ruled out late in a 124-104 loss. Dallas is already thin in the frontcourt, so any missed time would tighten the rotation. Marvin Bagley III logged 20 minutes and has produced 16 points and 12 rebounds in one of his last three games, giving him short-term streaming appeal. P.J. Washington could also absorb more small-ball center minutes if needed.

LeBron James Fri Feb 13 2:00am

Lakers' F LeBron James recorded a triple-double, finishing with 28 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds in a 124-104 win over the Mavericks on Thursday, Feb. 12.

Robert Williams Thu Feb 12 8:20pm

Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (knee) has been downgraded to out for Thursday's game against the Jazz. Williams logged five points, five rebounds, and two blocks in 12 minutes Wednesday and remains on a light workload when active. His absence solidifies Donovan Clingan's role as the primary center and could open a few backup minutes for Yang Hansen. Hansen has totaled six points and five rebounds across his last five appearances, limiting him to emergency depth in deep leagues.

Deni Avdija Thu Feb 12 8:10pm

Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (back) has been downgraded to out for Thursday's game against the Jazz. Avdija logged 11 points, five rebounds, and three assists in 27 minutes Wednesday but struggled to 21 percent shooting on 14 attempts. His absence opens usage on the wing, with Vit Krejci a clear beneficiary after posting 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting in 20 minutes. Sidy Cissoko could also see an expanded run. Jrue Holiday and Jerami Grant should shoulder more offensive responsibility, while Avdija remains a hold if this proves short-term.

Myles Turner Thu Feb 12 7:30pm

Milwaukee Bucks center Myles Turner (calf) will not play Thursday against the Thunder. Turner posted five points, eight rebounds, and two blocks in 31 minutes in his last outing. With Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) also sidelined, Milwaukee's frontcourt minutes are up for grabs. Jericho Sims started on Wednesday and delivered 17 points and 11 rebounds in 36 minutes, making him a strong short-term streamer for rebounds and field goal percentage. Bobby Portis and Ousmane Dieng should also benefit, while Pete Nance could pick up some minutes, but his role is too inconsistent to rely on in most formats.

Naji Marshall Thu Feb 12 7:30pm

Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall (foot) has been upgraded to probable ahead of Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Marshall was initially tagged as questionable on the injury report due to a left foot strain. He appears to be feeling better now and is likely going to suit up for Thursday's game. He figures to see a larger role in the rotation with Cooper Flagg (ankle) out for this game. Marshall finished with 31 points, four rebounds, and two assists across 36 minutes of action on Tuesday. Fantasy managers should check back ahead of tip-off, but they should be able to get Marshall active in their lineups on Thursday.

Caleb Martin Thu Feb 12 7:20pm

Dallas Mavericks forward Caleb Martin (ankle) has been downgraded to doubtful ahead of Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers. He was tagged as questionable to start the day after tweaking his ankle during Tuesday's contest against the Phoenix Suns. There's now a good chance that Martin is unable to go for the final game before the All-Star break. The Mavs are already without Cooper Flagg (ankle), so losing Martin as well will hurt. Klay Thompson and Khris Middleton both figure to see larger roles in the rotation, assuming Martin is unable to go. Thompson is the better option between the two, but both should have streaming value for this small slate on Thursday.

Jeremy Sochan Thu Feb 12 7:10pm

Forward/center Jeremy Sochan is expected to sign with the New York Knicks once he clears waivers, per ESPN. San Antonio moved on after Sochan fell out of the rotation amid a crowded frontcourt. In 28 games this season, he averaged 4.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.0 assists while shooting 48.0 percent from the field and 68.8 percent at the line, a sharp dip from last season's 11.4 points and 6.5 rebounds. He projects as a low-usage reserve behind OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns, limiting fantasy appeal to deep formats only.

Kyle Kuzma Thu Feb 12 6:50pm

Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma (foot) has been upgraded to available for Thursday's game against the Thunder. Kuzma has started in each appearance since Jan. 19 but did not play Feb. 6. His recent lines underscore the volatility, posting 31 points on 12-of-22 shooting against Chicago, then three points on three attempts two games later. He finished with 15 points and seven rebounds in 30 minutes Wednesday. With Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) still out, Kuzma retains scoring opportunity, though Cam Thomas and Kevin Porter Jr. continue to siphon usage, keeping Kuzma in risk-reward territory.

Ryan Rollins Thu Feb 12 6:40pm

Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins (foot) has been ruled out for Thursday's matchup against Oklahoma City. Rollins remains day-to-day, but his absence keeps Milwaukee's backcourt usage condensed. Cam Thomas is the clear short-term beneficiary after erupting for 34 points with four threes, four rebounds, and two assists in 25 minutes Wednesday. He profiles as a points-and-threes streamer while Rollins sits. Kevin Porter Jr., who logged 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists in 39 minutes, should continue handling primary playmaking duties. AJ Green's role remains steady, but low usage limits his ceiling.

Shaedon Sharpe Thu Feb 12 6:00pm

Portland Trail Blazers guard/forward Shaedon Sharpe (calf) will miss his fourth consecutive contest on Thursday against the Utah Jazz.` He strained his left calf last week and will be out through the All-Star break, possibly returning against the Nuggets on Feb. 20. Vit Krejci will continue to see an expanded role during Sharpe's absence. He finished with 17 points, one rebound and one assist across 20 minutes against Minnesota on Wednesday. Scoot Henderson and Blake Wesley could also take on extra minutes.


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