The Boston Celtics opened their 2026-27 season with a tribute to a late legend.
During Tuesday’s game against the Detroit Pistons, the Celtics donned jerseys with a “19” patch on their left shoulder. They wore the patch to honor five-time NBA champion Don Nelson, who passed away in August at 86.
Nelson played for the Celtics from 1965 to 1976. His No. 19 has since been retired by the C’s.
After his 14-year playing career, Nelson pivoted to coaching. He coached Milwaukee for 11 seasons, Golden State for 11 seasons, New York for one season, and Dallas for eight seasons. The three-time Coach of the Year was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as a coach in 2012.
