A true original

Don Nelson's resignation Saturday brings to a close a memorable chapter in Mavs history. In his seven seasons in Dallas, Nelson helped transform the team from one of sports' biggest doormats to a legitimate title contender. He also had fun doing it.

From his fast-paced offense to his oddball matchups, Nelson brought a dose of zany creativity to the NBA sidelines at a time when the league needed it. Remember his Stall Ball against the Jazz in '98? Or Shawn Bradley trying to guard Bo Outlaw? Or Bubba Wells fouling out in an NBA-record three minutes (against Dennis Rodman)? Or the Halloween night when Nelson and his son Donny, after being suspended by the league, dressed in prison stripes and watched the game at a local bar?

That's what most NBA fans will remember about Nelson's reign in Dallas. Like him or not, he was never dull. Unlike the faceless robots who call every play and try to control everything on the sidelines these days, Nelson was a coach with a definite personality.

In Dallas, he was a pretty good team-builder, too. It's easy to forget that the Mavs were in disarray when Nelson arrived there back in '97. After his first couple years, Nellie himself was considered borderline crazy and nearly run out of town for a series of seemingly boneheaded personnel moves. Eventually Dirk Nowitzki and Steve Nash and Michael Finley proved that maybe the old guy wasn't so stupid after all.

It was no secret Nelson and owner Mark Cuban had not seen eye to eye on some matters in recent years. Nelson also made it known he was grooming Avery Johnson to take over. When Nellie missed some games for health reasons earlier this season, and the Mavs responded by playing well under Johnson, speculation soared that this day might be coming sooner than expected.

Still, Saturday's announcement was something of a surprise only because Nelson had said he was going to stay through next year. "I'm in my last years as a coach," Nelson said before a game in Chicago back in December. "I'm going to retire. I have this one and one more [year on my contract]. I expect to coach til the end. I want Avery to get some experience this year and get some more next year. I'm going to be a consultant for five years in Dallas."

Why did Nelson suddenly decide to push up the timetable? He said it was because he sensed some "slippage" in his team of late, and that the Mavs players were responding better to Johnson. Cuban indicated there were "family reasons" as well. Given that Nelson recently missed three games to be with his wife, who is recovering from surgery, it would be understandable.

Nelson certainly seems to be leaving the Mavs in capable hands. Johnson already has coached the team 13 games this season, and the players respect him. The Mavs are also a veteran team with clearly defined roles. They will still make the playoffs and be a sleeper in the West. But Dallas could miss Nelson's experience in the postseason crucible. It could make a difference in a game or two.

As for Nelson, it's possible he could be back on the sidelines someday. He said back in December he still enjoyed coaching, and he's only 64 years old. But Nelson has already seen and done it all as a player and coach. There's really nothing left for him to prove. He seems to enjoy living in Maui, so chances are he'll be spending his golden years hanging by the pool with tropical drinks.

If so, the NBA might not see a coach like him again in a while. From his Fish Ties to his Mai Tais, Nelson was an original.