Milwaukee Bucks to Pay Tribute to Hall of Fame Head Coach Don “nellie” Nelson at Home Opener Tomorrow, Oct. 23
MILWAUKEE (Oct. 22, 2026) – The Milwaukee Bucks will pay tribute to Hall of Fame head coach Don “Nellie” Nelson during their home opener tomorrow, Oct. 23, at 3 p.m. CT against the Chicago Bulls.
The Bucks will honor Nelson’s legacy throughout tomorrow’s game, beginning with a pregame tribute and moment of silence. Players will wear custom warmup shirts that feature Nelson’s signature fish tie, which he began wearing in 1986 after the NBA instituted a dress code requiring ties for head coaches, and Bucks staff will support by wearing Ralph Marlin original fish ties and special lapel pins.
Nelson served as the head coach of the Bucks for 11 seasons from 1976-87 and helped define one of the greatest eras in franchise history. Celebrated for his innovative approach to the game of basketball and his larger-than-life personality, Nelson was awarded two NBA Coach of the Year awards with the Bucks and he remains the franchise’s all-time leader in head coaching wins with 540 regular season victories. He passed away in August at the age of 86.
Limited tickets are still available for tomorrow’s game at www.bucks.com/tickets.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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