The Top 5 Coaches in the History of Your Dallas Mavericks
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Don Nelson's Golden State Wariors beat the Minnesota Timberwolves, giving Nellie the record for the most head-coaching wins in NBA history. Nelson, who coached the Mavs from 1998-2005, has won an astounding 1,333 games over 31 seasons.
Problem? Despite all those victories, his teams have never even made it to the NBA Finals, much less won a championship.
Nellie is fun. He's quotable. He's innovative. He identified and nurtured Dirk Nowitzki into the greatest player in Mavs' history. I remember sitting with him at Hooters in the West End one night and diagramming plays on a napkin until they shut the place down. I remember sitting with his wife, Joy, days after his prostate cancer surgery.
Love me some Nellie.
But where exactly does he rank on the list of all-time best coaches in Dallas?
5. Rick Carlisle - 101-59 in two seasons so far, but must deliver a deep playoff run.
4. John MacLeod - Took Mavs within one game of the NBA Finals in 1988.
3. Dick Motta - Original coach established foundation for winning in the 1980s.
2. Avery Johnson - Only Dallas leader to win Coach of the Year and take team to NBA Finals.
1. Don Nelson - 339 wins are the most by a Mavs' head coach and he delivered Dirk.
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