Steve Kerr Honored Don Nelson With Bud Light
The Golden State Warriors coach toasted the late Hall of Fame leader during a pregame session at Chase Center.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Beer
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr drank a Bud Light during a pregame media session to honor the late Don Nelson. The gesture served as a tribute to Nelson, who passed away in August at age 86.
Why it matters
Kerr performed the toast to emulate Nelson, who famously brought Bud Light cans to his own postgame press conferences during the 2007 NBA playoffs despite league prohibitions.
Don Nelson coached the Golden State Warriors for 11 seasons across two separate tenures from 1988 to 1995 and 2006 to 2010. He passed away on August 9, 2026, at the age of 86.
The players
Steve Kerr
He is the current head coach of the Golden State Warriors who honored his predecessor during a recent media availability.
Don Nelson
He was a legendary NBA head coach and Hall of Fame member who led the Warriors for 11 seasons.
Stephen Jackson
He is a former NBA player who played under Don Nelson and attended the commemorative game.
Matt Barnes
He is a former professional basketball player who participated in the tribute event at the Chase Center.
Chris Mullin
He is a Basketball Hall of Famer and former Warriors executive who was present for the Nellie Night ceremony.
The details
The tribute occurred during a commemorative Nellie Night hosted at the Chase Center for the game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Fans in attendance received commemorative pins upon entry, and souvenir Nellie Night beer koozies were available for purchase.
Timeline
Don Nelson served as Warriors head coach from 1988 to 1995 and again from 2006 to 2010.
Nelson famously brought beer to press conferences during the 2007 NBA playoffs.
Don Nelson died on August 9, 2026.
The Golden State Warriors hosted Nellie Night on October 6, 2026.
Culture Shift
This gesture mirrors the 2007 NBA playoffs postgame press conference beer controversy that defined Nelson's tenure. It marks a moment where a current coach acknowledges a past era's non-conformist culture that was once prohibited by league officials.
Fans visiting the Chase Center for home games this season will see players wearing commemorative Nellie bands on their uniforms. Attendees can also hold onto their souvenir koozies as long-term mementos of the commemorative night.
The takeaway
Honoring a legendary figure often involves reviving the small, memorable habits that defined their public persona. Implementing personal traditions can be a powerful way for individuals to celebrate a mentor in their own professional lives.
Further reading
Learn more about the local culture by visiting the Beer section.
