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:
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.

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Golden State Warriors: "When I think of Nellie, I'll always think of the 'We Believe' team and our incredible run in 2007. He understood what made us go and made us believe we could beat anybody, ultimately helping us make history as the first No. 8 seed to defeat a No. 1 seed in a seven-game series. That time in my life and career was truly special, and Nellie was a huge part of making it possible. I'll always be grateful for the memories, the laughs, and everything we accomplished together. I'm thinking of Joy and the entire Nelson family, remembering the happiness he brought to so many." - Baron Davis
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: "When I think of Nellie, I'll always think of the 'We …

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In the wake of the passing of Hall of Fame Boston Celtics forward Don Nelson, the Celtics have released a statement. After having left us at 86 years of age, the legendary Boston alum touched countless lives across the NBA and beyond it over the course of his career in the league as a player, head coach, and an executive. "Don Nelson's success as a Hall of Fame Coach is so vast, that it could overshadow his playing career, but it would be a mistake to do so," recalled the Celtics release.
"A favorite of (iconic Celtics general manager and head coach) Red Auerbach's, 'Nellie' was a tough and reliable all-around player whose tenacity and ability to 'think the game' was on full display throughout his 11 seasons with the Boston Celtics," it continues, "where he was a key member of five championship teams across two eras."
"His most celebrated moment as a player came in Game 7 of the 1969 NBA Finals against his former team the Los Angeles Lakers, when Nelson converted one of the most famous shots in playoff history—a foul-line jumper which dropped through the basket after hitting the back rim and bouncing several feet straight up," it adds.
"The shot, taken with just over a minute to go in the game and the Celtics clinging to a 103–102 lead, was an essential play in helping secure Boston's 11th NBA ****** le in 13 seasons," closes the release.
"Nellie's number 19 was raised shortly after he retired following yet another championship season in 1976. The Celtics extend our deep condolences to Nelson's family, loved ones, and everyone he touched through his rich and impactful life in basketball and beyond."

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By The **** ociated Press (AP) — Notable reaction to the death of Don Nelson, the NBA's second-winningest coach:
"Don Nelson was one of the most innovative and influential coaches in the history of the NBA and an iconic figure in Warriors history. During two memorable stints as head coach, 'Nellie' left an indelible mark on our franchise with his approach to the game. From the Run TMC era to the 'We Believe' team in 2007, his teams captivated Bay Area basketball fans and created some of the most memorable moments in Warriors history. That 2007 team made NBA history by defeating the 67-win Dallas Mavericks in the first round, overcoming a 25-win regular-season difference that remains the largest ever by a team to win a playoff series.
Don was a true basketball visionary whose impact stretched well beyond Golden State. He saw the game differently and was never afraid to challenge conventional thinking. His approach helped shape the game and paved the way for generations of players and coaches who followed.
More than anything, Nellie will be remembered for his authenticity, larger-than-life personality and incredible passion for basketball. His influence on the Warriors franchise will endure for years to come.
On behalf of the entire Warriors organization, we offer our sincere condolences to his wife, Joy, his family and countless friends." — Golden State Warriors statement.

#nellie

Dirk Nowitzki: Nellie… You didn't just draft me. You believed in me. You saw things in my game before I ever realized I could do them. I've said it a million times and I will always say it: I don't think my career could have turned out how it did without you being my first coach and giving me the freedom to play my game. I can only say THANK YOU. For everything. RIP legend.
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Nellie… You didn't just draft me. You believed in me. …

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From there, Nelson, who added general manager to his ******* le the following season with Milwaukee, used an unorthodox coaching style that became known as "Nellie Ball" to put together a Hall of Fame résumé during his 31 seasons. Nellie Ball proved to be ahead of its time, utilizing smaller, more athletic players to fuel a fast-paced offense that prioritized creating mismatches through speed. It was a philosophy that had been adopted across the league long after he retired. "Don Nelson was a true innovator whose influence on the game of basketball is still felt today," Warriors coach Steve Kerr said in a statement Sunday. "He consistently challenged conventional thinking, experimented with different lineups and styles of play and saw possibilities in the game that others often did not. So much of what is now commonplace in the modern NBA can be traced back to the way Nellie approached the game."
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: "Don Nelson was a true innovator whose influence on …

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