PokerNews has published details about the private home games of former NBA coach Don Nelson, who passed away on August 9, 2026, at the age of 86.
August 14, 2026
PokerNews published details of the private home games hosted by former NBA coach Don Nelson, who passed away on August 9, 2026, at the age of 86.
After retiring, the legendary basketball coach moved to Hawaii, where he regularly held friendly mid-stakes games. Among the regular guests were celebrities: musician Willie Nelson, as well as actors Owen Wilson, Luke Wilson, and Woody Harrelson.
One day during a session, one of the regular players named Greg Booth suddenly died at the table. Nelson convinced everyone not to stop the game, arguing that "Greg himself would have wanted them to continue, since he lived a full life."
The deceased's body was carefully moved to the veranda. Before returning to the cards, each participant placed a $20 chip in the dead man's pocket. In this state, Greg Booth awaited the arrival of the special service while the game continued at the table.
Don Nelson, who won 5 championship titles with the Boston Celtics and racked up 1,335 wins as a head coach, remained a poker fan and a close friend of Poker Hall of Fame member Erik Seidel until his final days.
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After retiring, the legendary basketball coach moved to Hawaii, where he regularly held friendly mid-stakes games. Among the regular guests were celebrities: musician Willie Nelson, as well as actors Owen Wilson, Luke Wilson, and Woody Harrelson.
One day during a session, one of the regular players named Greg Booth suddenly died at the table. Nelson convinced everyone not to stop the game, arguing that "Greg himself would have wanted them to continue, since he lived a full life."
The deceased's body was carefully moved to the veranda. Before returning to the cards, each participant placed a $20 chip in the dead man's pocket. In this state, Greg Booth awaited the arrival of the special service while the game continued at the table.
Don Nelson, who won 5 championship titles with the Boston Celtics and racked up 1,335 wins as a head coach, remained a poker fan and a close friend of Poker Hall of Fame member Erik Seidel until his final days.
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