The Golden State Warriors are set to pay a fitting, poignant tribute to one of their most beloved and impactful figures, the late Hall of Fame head coach Don Nelson. A true titan of the game, "Nellie" will be honored with a special 'Nellie' band on the team's uniforms throughout the 2026-27 NBA season, a testament to his indelible legacy.
Nelson, who passed away at 86 on August 9th, left an unparalleled mark on the franchise and the league. This gesture ensures his innovative spirit and coaching brilliance continue to inspire.
Key Highlights of Nellie's Legacy:
- 422 regular season victories with the Warriors across two influential tenures.
- Coached the iconic "Run TMC" era and the historic "We Believe" team.
- NBA's all-time winningest coach at the time of his retirement with 1,335 career wins.
- Three-time NBA Coach of the Year, including one with Golden State in 1992.
Honoring a Warriors Icon
Starting with the 2026-27 season, the 'Nellie' band will be prominently displayed above the IREN badge on the upper left side of the Warriors' uniforms. This special detail serves as a constant reminder of Nelson's profound influence on the team's identity and its most memorable eras.
Don Nelson guided the Warriors through two distinct yet equally captivating periods. His first stint, from 1988-95, birthed the electrifying "Run TMC" squad, featuring offensive maestros Tim Hardaway, Mitch Richmond, and Chris Mullin. Their fast-paced, high-octane style revolutionized the game and captivated fans.
The We Believe Revolution
Nelson's return to Golden State from 2006-10 delivered one of the greatest upsets in NBA Playoffs history. The 2006-07 "We Believe" Warriors, a scrappy No. 8 seed, famously vanquished the 67-win, top-seeded Dallas Mavericks in the opening round. This monumental achievement marked the first time an eighth seed defeated a No. 1 seed in a seven-game series, overcoming a 25-win regular-season difference—the largest ever for a playoff series victor. It was a masterclass in coaching and belief, cementing Nelson's legend.
A Coaching Pantheon Member
Beyond Golden State, Nelson's illustrious 31-year NBA head coaching career saw stops with the Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, and Dallas Mavericks. At his retirement in 2010, his 1,335 regular-season victories stood as the most in league history. He earned NBA Coach of the Year honors three times (1983, 1985 with Milwaukee, and 1992 with Golden State), a feat shared only with legendary coaches Gregg Popovich and Pat Riley.
Nelson is also one of only two coaches, alongside Lenny Wilkens, to achieve at least 300 victories with three different franchises. His impact was further recognized with the 2025 Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award, making him the third Warriors head coach, after Al Attles (2023) and Rick Adelman (2017), to receive this prestigious honor.
From Champion Player to Coaching Innovator
Before his coaching fame, Nelson enjoyed a distinguished 14-season NBA playing career. Drafted by the Chicago Zephyrs in 1962, he spent 11 seasons with the Boston Celtics, where he was a part of five NBA championship teams (1966, 1968, 1969, 1974, 1976). His No. 19 jersey was retired by the Celtics in 1978, a fitting precursor to a Hall of Fame career that would ultimately transform the game as we know it.
