New Delhi, Aug. 10 -- FRISCO, Texas - Don Nelson, the coach who remade professional basketball in his own restless image, died Sunday morning at his home here, surrounded by his family. He was 86.

"On Sunday morning our beloved husband, dad, grandfather and great-grandfather Don Nelson peacefully went to be with the Lord, surrounded by his loving family. Throughout his last week, friends and family encircled him with love, sharing the blessing of his friendship and revisiting treasured memories."

What the statement could not compress was the career. Nelson won 1,335 regular-season games, the second-most in NBA history, across 2,398 contests spanning from 1976 to 2010. He coached the Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors, New York Knick...