The basketball world lost a true legend this summer when former NBA player, coach, and Hall of Famer Don Nelson passed away at 86 years old in early August. It was a tough hit for everyone who loves the game, especially after all Nellie gave to the league. But the Warriors are stepping up to make sure his impact is never forgotten. They are dropping a huge announcement: the team will wear a special ‘NELLIE’ band on their jerseys for every game throughout the entire 2026-27 NBA season. This isn’t just a small gesture either, this patch will be right there near Golden State’s jersey sponsor on one of the shoulders.
A Coaching Visionary’s Incredible Career
We’re talking about a five-time champion and a coaching visionary here. Nelson’s footprint on the NBA is massive. He didn’t just coach, he molded teams, shaping the game itself for decades. Think about it: Nelson played 14 years in the NBA, grabbing five championships with the Boston Celtics. Five rings as a player! Then, he went on to coach for a staggering 31 seasons in the NBA. That included two separate stints with the Warriors, totaling 11 seasons in the Bay Area. Before he first joined Golden State in 1988, he put in 10 seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks. Nellie led the Warriors to the postseason in his first run with stars like Chris Mullin, Mitch Richmond, and Tim Hardaway. After leaving for coaching jobs with the New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks, he came back to the Bay in 2006. That second run was epic, leading the “We Believe” Warriors back to the playoffs with Baron Davis, Jason Richardson, Monta Ellis, Stephen Jackson, Matt Barnes, and Al Harrington. Talk about making a moment!
Nellie’s Impact on Stephen Curry and the Future
But here’s where it gets really real for the current Warriors squad: Nelson was instrumental in pushing the team to draft Stephen Curry with the No. 7 overall pick in 2009. Can you even imagine the league without that move? Nelson then served as Curry’s very first coach in the NBA during the 2009-10 season. He left the Warriors in 2010, meaning he only coached Curry for his rookie year. Now, over a decade later, Curry and the entire Warriors team get to honor the man who started it all for the franchise’s biggest star.
This ‘NELLIE’ jersey band is more than just a patch, it is a constant reminder of a legend who shaped the Warriors’ past and future. Curry and the team will now have the chance to pay tribute to Nelson each and every night throughout the regular season, carrying his legacy on their shoulders. It’s going to be something to watch, seeing that band out there every game.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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