By Alicia Wanek
Family, Philanthropy, Faith, Heroes, and Basketball
For the Nelson family, basketball is more than just a sport; it’s a way of life. Don Nelson, the family patriarch, is a renowned NBA player and coach, recognized as one of the top 10 coaches in NBA history. His son, Donnie, has also made significant contributions to the game. Donnie has held positions as an NBA scout and has coached both in the NBA and for five Olympic teams internationally. However, it’s his current roles as the general manager of the Dallas Mavericks and co-owner of the G-League’s Texas Legends that have earned him widespread recognition, with Sports Illustrated naming him one of the top three personnel administrators in the league. He takes pride in the fact that his children, DJ and Christie, are upholding the family legacy.
Donnie was raised in a basketball-centric environment. “In addition to family, faith, and friends, sports have shaped who I am,” he reflects. He perceives sports as a reflection of life itself, embodying the challenges and triumphs one faces. “When you push the human body and spirit, it leaves an impression,” he notes. His own family’s journey illustrates this; they started from humble origins—his grandfather was a hog farmer in Iowa who lost everything. Donnie’s father ingrained in him the values of humility and hard work, lessons he has instilled in his own children as they grew in the sport. “Basketball will always hold a very special place in my heart as it reminds me of family and the dedication that the men in my life have shown,” shares his daughter, Christie Nelson Armstrong.
Donnie feels fortunate to collaborate with his children, who were introduced to basketball and chose to pursue it professionally. DJ serves as an Assistant General Manager for the Legends, while Christie holds the position of Chief Marketing Officer. Their involvement is likely influenced by observing Donnie’s passion for the sport throughout their lives. “I pinch myself every day,” he admits. “It doesn’t feel like work when you’re doing what you love every single day.” He reveals that he often goes to bed contemplating ways to enhance the teams and wakes up ready to tackle the day ahead. Living out his version of the American dream, he has found a way to integrate his passion with his profession, although he initially hoped to play professionally. Ultimately, he believes he has arrived where he was meant to be.
While basketball is his professional passion, it’s his wife Charlotte (“Lotta”) who remains his steadfast support. “She embodies the heart of our home,” Donnie declares. Christie confirms, “My mom is the true glue of our family. She is our voice of reason and a close friend to all of us.” Donnie’s extensive travel for coaching—over 22 summers with the Lithuanian and Chinese national teams—often placed the bulk of parenting responsibilities on Lotta. Despite this, Christie acknowledges that their father was their biggest supporter, attending every event whenever he was home. “My two kids are who they are today because of her (Lotta’s) guidance,” Donnie asserts. Christie adds, “She possesses the biggest heart of anyone I’ve encountered.”
Having a generous spirit is a hallmark of the Nelson family. With Christie, DJ, and even son-in-law Blake Armstrong (the V.P./Assistant General Manager) now part of the Texas Legends organization—co-owned by Donnie, Mark Cuban, and Evan Wyly—they actively engage in community outreach initiatives. The name and initial logo of the Texas Legends were created to honor local heroes. “My number one priority,” Donnie states regarding his philanthropic efforts, “is supporting the men and women who protect our freedoms each day. They shape our country. It takes a special person to wear that uniform, whether in the Armed Forces, as a nurse, police officer, firefighter, or teacher, especially in today’s world.” Christie elaborates, “There are many individuals doing incredible work in our community, and we strive to recognize them adequately. Basketball serves as a fantastic platform for uniting people, and I take pride in what he has established for our community.” During every home game, the team pays tribute to a local “real-life” hero, with outreach programs through the Texas Legends Care non-profit helping disadvantaged youth, even bringing groups of children to their first-ever basketball games. Donnie views his role with the Legends as “one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life.”
The Nelson family is remarkable, having both shaped and continued to influence the world of basketball. More significantly, they prioritize their commitment to one another and the community they are part of. Despite his global travels and diverse cultural experiences, Donnie treasures returning to Dallas, where his family and teams await. Christie states, “We have been fortunate to call Dallas home for over two decades. Through thick and thin, our family has remained united.” Donnie simply adds, “I’m the luckiest guy in the world.”
Lessons Donnie Learned from His Father Don:
– Never forget where you came from.
– Don’t fear making mistakes; it’s the only way to improve.
– Don’t just follow the crowd.
– Don’t listen to the naysayers.
– Trust your instincts; good things often follow.
– Embrace creativity.
– Engage in what you love every day.
– Insights are valuable.
– And from his mother: Seek the good and acknowledge it.
Lessons Christie Learned from Her Father Donnie:
– Always prioritize others over yourself.
– Treat everyone, whether a venue attendant or a CEO, with love and respect.
– Cultivating relationships is vital throughout life and career.
– Stand firm in your beliefs and do what is right.
– Most of what you worry about has either occurred or will never happen.
– As stated in 1 Corinthians 13: “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
L to R: Donnie Nelson, General Manager and President of Basketball Operations for the Dallas Mavericks, with Texas Legends G-League (affiliate of the Dallas Mavericks) family: Malcolm Farmer, President and General Manager, Christie Nelson Armstrong, Chief Marketing Officer, Blake Armstrong, Vice-President/Assistant General Manager, Ashley Jackson, Brittany Payne, Vice President of Operations, and DJ Nelson, Assistant Coach/Assistant General Manager.
