Ex-Mavs Coach Don Nelson Sparks Controversy by Wearing Luka Dončić’s Shoes at Lifetime Achievement Award Ceremony

Don Nelson, a legendary figure at the helm of the Dallas Mavericks, emerged from his Hawaiian retreat this weekend to receive the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award at the NBA Finals — a rare appearance that spoke volumes. But before the tip-off of Game 2 between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers, Nelson didn’t hold back, making his stance crystal clear on one of the season’s most earth-shaking moves: Luka Dončić’s departure from Dallas. Wearing Luka’s latest Nike kicks as a bold gesture, Nelson voiced his disapproval loud and proud, branding the trade a massive blunder by the Mavericks’ front office. It’s not every day you hear a Hall of Fame coach—notorious for his sharp mind and strategic brilliance—call out a decision that still echoes through the fanbase and the franchise’s recent struggles. Even as the Mavericks eye new hope with the top draft pick, the shadow cast by that trade lingers heavy. Here’s a closer look at how Nelson’s rare public opinion adds fuel to a fire still burning bright in Dallas. LEARN MORE

AdvertisementThe Mavericks, who landed Anthony Davis in the deal, have since won the NBA Draft lottery. They will presumably take former Duke star Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick later this month.

“History has already reflected Don Nelson’s staggering contributions as a cutting-edge innovator and visionary of the NBA game,” Pacers coach and NBCA president Rick Carlisle said of Nelson, via ESPN. “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, a Hall of Famer and one of the best coaches in league history, led the Mavericks from 1997-2005. He also had long runs leading both the Milwaukee Bucks and Golden State Warriors before retiring after the 2010 campaign. Nelson, who also won five titles during his time in the league as a player, was the NBA’s all-time winningest coach when he retired. Only former San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has won more.“I want everybody to know I’m wearing Luka’s shoes, his new shoes from Nike … and I’m wearing them in protest for the trade from Dallas,” Nelson said. “I think it was a tremendous mistake by the Dallas franchise to trade him. I want everybody to know that.”

While the award is well-deserved, Nelson couldn’t help but share his thoughts on one of his former teams’ decisions. With the way the Mavericks’ fan base has reacted in the months since, even with the team landing the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, it’d be hard to find many that disagree with him.The Mavericks dealt Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers ahead of the trade deadline earlier this season in what was one of the most shocking trades in league history. It prompted plenty of backlash from Mavericks fans, too, who repeatedly and loudly called for the ouster of general manager Nico Harrison. Dallas then struggled the rest of the way and finished in 10th in the Western Conference standings.Nelson has been living in Hawaii and largely staying away from the game ever since. His trip to Oklahoma City this weekend was the first time he’s left Hawaii in seven years.

Before Game 2 between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers on Sunday night, however, Nelson made sure to take sides in the stunning Luka Dončić trade from earlier this season.

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