The Golden State Warriors turned their preseason home opener into a celebration of one of the most influential figures in franchise history, honoring late Hall of Fame coach Don Nelson with a special “Nellie Night” at Chase Center.
Nelson, who died in August at age 86, spent 11 seasons as Golden State’s head coach across two separate stints and won 422 regular-season games with the franchise. His impact extended well beyond the win column, particularly through the free-flowing, unconventional style that helped shape the identity of both the “Run TMC” era and the unforgettable 2007 “We Believe” team.
The Warriors marked the occasion before their preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers with tributes throughout the arena, including appearances from former players such as Chris Mullin, Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson. Fans in attendance received commemorative “Nellie” pins, while the organization also incorporated special in-arena details tied to Nelson’s career and personality.
1-3-3-5 for 1,335 wins.
Larry Riley, Stephen Jackson, Matt Barnes and Chris Mullin hold jerseys to help celebrate the NBA’s second-winningest coach, Don Nelson on “Nellie Night” 👏 https://t.co/pttGt2QlXl
— NBA (@NBA) October 7, 2026
Stephen Curry delivered a tribute before tipoff, and the Warriors debuted the “Nellie” memorial band that will remain on their uniforms throughout the 2026-27 season. The band serves as a season-long reminder of Nelson’s place in Warriors history.
“He’s second on the all-time list of wins in NBA history, he was my coach back in 2009… he was an icon in the NBA family, did so much for the Bay Area.”
Steph addresses the crowd pregame on “Nellie Night” to explain the @warriors’ new patch to honor the legendary Don Nelson this season ❤️
— NBA (@NBA) October 7, 2026
Steve Kerr added a more personal touch. Before his pregame media availability, Kerr opened a Bud Light and took a sip in Nelson’s honor, recreating one of the late coach’s most recognizable habits. Nelson was known for occasionally bringing a beer into postgame press conferences, including during Golden State’s famous 2007 playoff run.
Steve Kerr begins pregame press conference with an ode to Don Nelson, on night Warriors will honor him, by cracking open a Bud Light and having a sip before opening for questions. https://t.co/453iyStb6Y
— John Dickinson (@JDJohnDickinson) October 7, 2026
That balance of sentiment and humor felt appropriate for a coach whose personality was as distinctive as his basketball philosophy.
Nelson retired with 1,335 career coaching victories and won NBA Coach of the Year three times, including once with Golden State in 1992. He also helped influence the franchise’s future in less obvious ways, including encouraging Larry Riley’s transition into the front office. Riley later became Warriors general manager and drafted Stephen Curry in 2009.
For one night, though, the focus was not on what came next. It was on “Nellie.”
The Warriors did not simply honor a former coach. They celebrated one of the people who helped give Golden State basketball its personality long before the franchise became a modern dynasty.
