WHY WARRIORS GREAT DON ‘NELLIE' NELSON WAS MORE THAN A COACH WITH GOLDEN STATE

To the NBA at large, Don Nelson was a Hall of Fame coach known for innovative strategies, savvy business acumen and a unique personality. To those who played for him during his two terms as coach of the Warriors, Nelson was all that and more. He was their life force, their lifeline and the life of the party.

“I mean,” Matt Barnes said Tuesday night, “I may not be here if it wasn't for Nellie.” It was “Nellie Night” at Chase Center, an evening dedicated to the memories of the man who passed away on Aug. 9 at age 86. Nelson coached the Warriors for seven seasons (1988-95) and after 10 years coaching the New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks, returned to Golden State in 2006 for four more seasons by the Bay.

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