The Golden State Warriors have honored the late Don Nelson, their former head coach, with a series of heartfelt tributes during their recent preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Chase Center. Nelson, who passed away on August 9, 2026, at the age of 86, was celebrated for his significant contributions to the franchise.
Prior to the game, Warriors' head coach Steve Kerr paid homage to Nelson by bringing a Bud Light to the pregame media session, a nod to Nelson's well-known practice of enjoying the same beverage during his own press conferences. Kerr's gesture was a personal tribute to the coach who had a profound impact on the team's history. (wisevoter.com)
On the court, the Warriors debuted their new jerseys featuring a 'NELLIE' patch on the upper left side, just above the IREN sponsor badge. This patch will be worn throughout the 2026-27 season as a lasting tribute to Nelson's legacy. (nba.com)
Stephen Curry, the team's star guard, also honored Nelson before the game. Curry expressed his deep respect and admiration for the late coach, acknowledging Nelson's belief in him during the early days of his career. (clutchpoints.com)
Don Nelson's coaching career with the Warriors spanned two tenures (1988–1995 and 2006–2010), during which he accumulated 422 regular-season victories. He was renowned for his innovative strategies and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012. (nba.com)
The Warriors' tributes serve as a testament to Nelson's enduring influence on the team and the broader basketball community.