Legendary head coach Don Nelson, who formerly led the Dallas Mavericks and the Milwaukee Bucks, has sent a direct and motivational message to current Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd in a momentous and emotionally charged moment that has the NBA community in a frenzy. Following the Mavericks’ successful playoff run, Nelson made a rare media appearance in Maui, Hawaii, where he presently resides. The message highlighted the special nexus of history, mentorship, and championship urgency.
As one of the most innovative and respected coaches in NBA history, Nelson’s message carried more than just sentiment — it echoed a deep understanding of both the Mavericks’ culture and the window of opportunity currently open for Jason Kidd and superstars
Don Nelson is widely recognized as one of the greatest basketball minds the NBA has ever seen. Over the course of his 31-year coaching career, Nelson accumulated 1,335 wins — the most in NBA history until recently passed by Gregg Popovich. His coaching style revolutionized the game, often prioritizing positionless basketball, small-ball lineups, and an unselfish offensive philosophy decades before they became league norms.
Nelson coached the Dallas Mavericks from 1997 to 2005, helping to develop a young Dirk Nowitzki and laying the groundwork for the franchise’s championship trajectory. He also spent nearly a decade coaching the Milwaukee Bucks during the 1980s, building multiple 50-win seasons and playoff contenders.
Now enjoying retirement, Nelson rarely speaks publicly, which made his recent message to Jason Kidd all the more significant.
During a feature interview with a local Hawaiian station covering a charity golf event hosted by Nelson, the 84-year-old Hall of Famer was asked about the Dallas Mavericks’ resurgence under Jason Kidd and the meteoric rise of Luka Doncic.
His response was vintage Don Nelson — part encouragement, part wisdom, and entirely honest.
“Jason’s done a hell of a job. He’s coaching with poise, maturity, and clarity. But this moment — this run — it’s not something you take for granted,” Nelson said. “You’ve got a generational player in Luka. Now it’s about building a dynasty, not just memories.”
Nelson emphasized that while the Mavericks have shown incredible growth over the past two seasons, especially with their recent NBA Finals appearance, the franchise must now commit fully to championship expectations.
“I coached Jason as a young point guard — I saw his leadership then. Now he’s got the clipboard. And my message to him is simple: Go all in. You don’t wait when you’ve got the keys to the kingdom.”
Focus on Luka Doncic: “Protect His Prime”
Don Nelson reserved special praise — and concern — for Luka Doncic, the Mavericks’ 25-year-old MVP-caliber superstar. Comparing Doncic’s ability to legends like Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, Nelson made it clear that the Mavericks must do everything possible to surround their franchise player with the right talent, strategy, and long-term vision.
“You don’t get many guys like Luka. Not even once a decade,” Nelson said. “You’ve got to protect that kind of greatness. Keep him healthy. Keep him happy. And give him what he needs to win — now.”
He also applauded the front office’s acquisition of Kyrie Irving, stating:
“Kyrie has brought a balance to Luka’s game. He’s a closer, a creator, and he’s keeping defenses honest. It’s a bold move that paid off — now double down on it.”
Jason Kidd’s Response: “Humbled and Inspired”
When reporters brought Don Nelson’s comments to Jason Kidd during a media session in Dallas, the Mavericks coach was visibly moved.
“Coming from Coach Nellie, that means the world. He’s one of my biggest influences. Everything I learned about creative offense and player empowerment started with him,” Kidd said.
Kidd, who played under Nelson during the early 2000s in Dallas, credited his former coach for shaping his basketball philosophy.
“He taught me to see the game three steps ahead — and to trust your players. That’s what I try to do with Luka and Kyrie.”
Regarding Nelson’s challenge to go “all in,” Kidd responded confidently:
“We’re not here just to make the Finals. We’re here to win it. Coach Nelson knows what it takes — and we’re listening.”
A Mavericks Team on the Brink of Greatness
After a roller-coaster 2023–24 regular season, the Mavericks entered the 2024–25 campaign with renewed focus and chemistry. With Luka Doncic leading the league in scoring and Kyrie Irving proving to be a stabilizing second star, Dallas defied expectations by storming through the playoffs and making it to the NBA Finals — falling short, but making a powerful statement.
Now, with key role players like Dereck Lively II, P.J. Washington, and Josh Green improving, and another offseason of potential roster enhancements, Dallas is poised to stay competitive at the highest level.
Don Nelson’s comments, however, are a reminder: being good isn’t enough anymore.
“You’ve got the most skilled young star in the league, and a coach who’s walked the walk. Don’t wait. Don’t hesitate. Go win the thing — and build something Luka can believe in for a decade.”
Fan and NBA Community Reaction
Nelson’s words reverberated far beyond Dallas. Fans flooded social media with messages of appreciation using hashtags like #NellieKnows, #LukaLegacy, and #FinishTheJob. Former players, coaches, and analysts echoed Nelson’s sentiment that the Mavericks are entering a “golden window” — and must seize it now.
NBA analyst and former player Jalen Rose said on ESPN:
“When Don Nelson speaks, smart teams listen. He was the first to build teams around versatility and spacing. If he says go all-in with Luka, the Mavs should be looking at every move — draft, free agency, coaching — through that lens.”
Conclusion: The Torch Has Been Passed
Don Nelson’s message to Jason Kidd was more than just a mentor’s advice. It was a symbolic passing of the torch — from one generation of Mavericks visionaries to the next. It was a reminder that greatness, when within reach, must be seized with boldness and urgency.