Remembering the man who changed modern basketball

NPR | By Jeffrey Pierre,

Justine Kenin, Juana Summers

Published August 11, 2026 at 3:37 PM CDT

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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.

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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