Over the summer, the basketball world sadly lost a legendary figure. Former NBA player, coach and Hall of Famer Don Nelson passed away at the age of 86-years-old in early August. While the NBA world is still mourning the loss of the coaching visionary and five-time champion, the Warriors will pay tribute to their former coach when they suit up for the 2026-27 NBA season.
On Wednesday, the Warriors announced they would be wearing a special band on their jerseys for every game during the 2026-27 NBA season featuring the word "NELLIE". The patch will sit near Golden State's jersey sponsor on one of the shoulders.
Via @warriors on X:
Paying homage to a legend of the game. The Golden State Warriors will honor Hall of Fame head coach Don Nelson with
a ‘Nellie’ band on their uniforms throughout the 2026-27 season. pic.twitter.com/1gpW0Oq0z0
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) August 26, 2026
Nelson played 14-years in the NBA, winning five championships with the Boston Celtics before starting a legendary coaching career. The former Iowa Hawkeye went on to coach a total of 31 seasons in the NBA, including two stints with the Warriors over 11 seasons. Prior to joining the Warriors bench, Nelson coached 10 seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Nelson then joined the Warriors in 1988, leading Golden State to the postseason behind Chris Mullin, Mitch Richmond and Tim Hardaway. Nelson then went on to coach the New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks. Nelson returned to the Bay Area in 2006, leading the Warriors back to the playoffs with the "We Believe" Warriors featuring Baron Davis, Jason Richardson, Monta Ellis, Stephen Jackson, Matt Barnes and Al Harrington.
In 2009, Nelson was instrumental in pushing the Warriors to make the decision to draft Stephen Curry with the No. 7 overall pick. Nelson served as Curry's first coach in the NBA during the 2009-10 season. Nelson left the Warriors in 2010, only coaching Curry for his rookie season.
Curry and the Warriors will now have the chance to honor Nelson each night throughout the regular season with their new jersey band.
This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebookand Twitter!
This article originally appeared on Warriors Wire: Warriors to honor Don Nelson with 'Nellie' jersey band during upcoming season
