Dallas Mavericks' Luka Doncic trade debate resurfaced as Hall of Famer Don Nelson shows firm protest wearing signature Slovenian star's shoes
The Dallas Mavericks' controversial decision to trade Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers has sparked a fresh wave of criticism, this time from one of the franchise's most iconic figures.
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Hall of Famer Don Nelson used his appearance at the NBA Finals not only to accept the prestigious Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award but to issue a bold, visual protest, donning Doncic's latest signature shoes as a direct rebuke of the trade. His dramatic gesture has reignited conversation across the league and among Mavericks fans still reeling from the blockbuster move.
Don Nelson called Luka Doncic's trade a tremendous mistake
Don Nelson, the NBA's all-time winningest coach until 2022, made a rare public appearance at Game 2 of the NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder.
As he received a career-capping honor, Nelson made an unexpected statement that sparked a huge discussion in the basketball world.
'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,' said Nelson in front of gathered media. 'I think it was a tremendous mistake by the Dallas franchise to trade him. I want everybody to know that.'
The 85-year-old coaching legend hasn't left Hawaii in seven years, but said this occasion and this message were important enough to break that streak.
With his son Donnie Nelson, the former Mavericks GM who drafted Doncic in 2018, also in attendance and sporting matching footwear, creating a moment of protest and pride for the Nelson family.
Nelson, who coached the Mavericks from 1997 to 2005, is revered in Dallas and across the league. During his tenure, he laid much of the foundation for the Mavericks' modern identity and coached legends like Dirk Nowitzki and Steve Nash.
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'Luka is my dear friend,' Nelson added. 'My philosophy was always, when you've got a great player, he's yours for a lifetime. You don't get rid of great players.'
That philosophy, Nelson explained, traces back to Red Auerbach, his coaching mentor.
'His philosophy was when you have a great player — Bill Russell, Havlicek, Sam Jones, you name 'em — you don't lose that player. You keep him for a lifetime. You put his number up, and you honor that player.
That's been my philosophy.'
Doncic's exit from Dallas in a trade for Anthony Davis stunned the league and enraged the Mavericks' fanbase, many of whom called for general manager Nico Harrison's resignation.
While the Mavericks now pivot toward rebuilding around Cooper Flagg, who they are widely expected to select, Nelson's protest serves as a reminder that some mistakes linger longer than others.
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Despite being away from the sidelines for over a decade, Nelson's influence on the game remains profound. 'History has already reflected Don Nelson's staggering contributions as a cutting-edge innovator and visionary of the NBA game,' Carlisle said 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.'
As for the legendary ex-Mavs coach, Don Nelson recorded 1,335 coaching wins.
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