Celtics: Why Are Celtics Wearing 19 Patch for Don Nelson?

The Boston Celtics opened the 2026-27 season on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at Little Caesars Arena against the Detroit Pistons wearing a "19" patch on the left shoulder of their jerseys. The patch honors Don Nelson, the five-time NBA champion forward who played for Boston from 1965 to 1976 and died in August at age 86. Fans asking why are Celtics wearing 19 patch during the season opener are seeing a tribute to a retired number and a Hall of Fame life in basketball.




The Celtics chose the opener to honor a champion fans still connect to the banners


NBC Sports Boston reported that the Boston Celtics wore the "19" patch on their left shoulder during Tuesday's game against the Detroit Pistons to honor Don Nelson. Nelson won five NBA championships with Boston in 1966, 1968, 1969, 1974 and 1976, and the Celtics retired his No. 19 in 1978. He is one of 23 Celtics players with a retired number.


Don Nelson joined Boston as a free agent before his third NBA season and became one of the best sixth men in league history. The forward averaged more than 10 points per game in Boston before the 3-point line existed, and his steady scoring helped the Celtics stay on top through two different championship eras.




MORE: Celtics vs Pistons Final Score: Pistons 121, Celtics 113 in Collapse


Don Nelson built a second Hall of Fame career on the bench after Boston


After Don Nelson retired as a player in 1976, he coached the Milwaukee Bucks for 11 seasons, the Golden State Warriors for 11 seasons, the New York Knicks for one season and the Dallas Mavericks for eight seasons. Nelson was named NBA Coach of the Year three times and was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as a coach in 2012. He finished with the second-most coaching wins in NBA history.


Celtics Wire reported that Nelson died on Sunday, August 9, 2026, surrounded by family, after a life that stretched from Iowa to Boston to Maui and Texas. The "19" patch lets a new generation of Celtics fans, including Jayson Tatum and Paul George, carry that history into the new season at TD Garden and on the road.


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What happens next for the Celtics after the opener in Detroit?


The Boston Celtics lost the opener 121-113 to the Detroit Pistons despite 38 points from Paul George in his Celtics debut, and Boston now turns to its home opener on Friday against the New York Knicks. The Celtics will keep honoring Don Nelson as the season moves to TD Garden, where his No. 19 already hangs in the rafters. For Jayson Tatum and the current Celtics, the patch is a daily reminder of the standard those banners set.





Frequently Asked Questions


Why are the Celtics wearing a 19 patch this season?

The Boston Celtics are wearing a "19" patch on the left shoulder of their jerseys to honor Don Nelson, who died in August at age 86. Nelson wore No. 19 for Boston from 1965 to 1976.


How many championships did Don Nelson win with the Celtics?

Don Nelson won five NBA championships with the Boston Celtics, in 1966, 1968, 1969, 1974 and 1976. The Celtics retired his No. 19 jersey in 1978.


When is the Celtics home opener?

The Boston Celtics host the New York Knicks in their home opener on Friday at TD Garden in Boston, after opening the season on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at the Detroit Pistons.


More Celtics


Sources:

https://www.nbcsportsboston.com/nba/boston-celtics/19-jerseys-don-nelson-tribute/808521/

https://celticswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/celtics/2026/08/09/celtics-legend-don-nelson-passes-away-86/91235089007/

Location: Boston, MA, USA

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