Last Updated on August 14, 2026 by Bala Kumar
Poker games are known for producing wild stories, but few compare to the one longtime NBA coach Don Nelson left behind. Nelson, who spent 31 seasons on NBA sidelines and passed away on August 9, 2026 at age 86, was also known off the court for hosting star-studded home poker games in Hawaii, games so memorable that one of them reportedly continued even after a player died at the table.
From the NBA Bench to the Poker Table
After retiring from coaching, Nelson settled into life in Hawaii, where poker became one of his favorite pastimes. His home games attracted a surprising mix of celebrities over the years, including musician Willie Nelson (no relation) and actors Owen Wilson, Luke Wilson, and Woody Harrelson. According to Nelson, the games typically ran at mid-stakes, with pots occasionally climbing into the thousands of dollars.
The Night the Game Didn’t Stop
The story that’s now circulating widely centers on an incident from around five years before Nelson’s death. During one of his regular games, a player named Greg Booth passed away in the middle of the session. Rather than ending the night, the remaining players, reportedly including Woody Harrelson, chose to keep playing.
Nelson explained his reasoning simply: he believed Booth, someone who embraced life fully, would have wanted the game to continue rather than stop out of grief. The group moved Booth’s body to the porch, and in a gesture of respect and camaraderie, each player placed a $20 poker chip in his pocket before play resumed.
It’s a story equal parts touching and surreal — a snapshot of the tight-knit, unconventional poker culture Nelson built around him in his post-coaching years.
A Basketball Legend Who Loved the Cards
Nelson’s basketball résumé speaks for itself. A former University of Iowa standout, he played 14 seasons in the NBA and won five championships as a player with the Boston Celtics. He then built one of the most successful coaching careers in league history, racking up 1,335 wins , the second-most of any coach ever, with stints leading the Golden State Warriors and Dallas Mavericks among others.
Off the court, though, Nelson became something of a poker character in his own right. Poker Hall of Famer and 10-time WSOP bracelet winner Erik Seidel has shared his own stories about crossing paths with the coach, underscoring just how well known Nelson’s poker exploits became within the community.
Nelson’s final years included a stroke suffered in Texas, after which he moved into hospice care shortly before his death.
Why This Story Resonates
In a poker world full of bad-beat stories and high-stakes drama, Nelson’s tale stands out for a different reason: it’s a story about friendship, loyalty, and the unusual bonds formed at the poker table. It’s easy to see why it’s resurfacing now as fans and the poker community remember Nelson’s life and legacy.
FAQs
1. Who was Don Nelson?
Don Nelson was a former NBA player and longtime coach who won five NBA championships as a player with the Boston Celtics and later became one of the winningest coaches in NBA history.
Did Don Nelson really host poker games in Hawaii?
Yes. After his coaching career, Nelson lived in Hawaii and became known for hosting home poker games that attracted celebrities, athletes, and entertainers.
3. Who played in Don Nelson’s famous poker games?
His games reportedly included celebrities such as Woody Harrelson, Owen Wilson, Luke Wilson, and musician Willie Nelson, among others.
4. What happened when Greg Booth died during the poker game?
According to Nelson’s account, Greg Booth died during one of the home poker sessions. The remaining players continued playing, believing Booth would have wanted the game to go on. The players also placed a $20 poker chip in his pocket as a gesture of respect.
How many NBA games did Don Nelson win as a coach?
Nelson finished his NBA coaching career with 1,335 regular-season victories, making him one of the most successful coaches in league history.
Founder of PokerClubGames.com and a Poker Researcher with 10+ years of experience in SEO, WordPress development, and gaming content strategy. Specializes in researching online poker sites, poker apps, tournaments, bonuses, and poker strategies. Experienced in poker platform reviews, affiliate marketing, and creating SEO-focused poker content for global audiences.
For collaborations, media inquiries, or poker-related partnerships:
Contact: Info@hugecount.com
