Don Nelson to retire in 2 years

March 30, 1:32 PMGolden State Warriors ExaminerVittorio Tafur

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Former Nuggets beat writer Chris Tomasson has the scoop for InDenver Times, hopefully putting an end to talk that Nellie will walk away from a bad Warriors team:

                                            AP/Ben Margot

Golden State coach Don Nelson said Saturday night he’s planning to retire when his contract expires following the 2010-11 season.

“I’ll do two more years and that will be it,’’ Nelson said before his Warriors lost 129-116 to the Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. Asked if those in the Warriors front office are aware of his plans, Nelson said, “I don’t know.’’

Nelson, 68, said he couldn’t pinpoint when he decided he won’t coach past 2011. But Nelson, who is the second-winningest coach in NBA history and likely will take over the top spot next season from Lenny Wilkens, said it was sometime after he signed a two-year contract extension last October.

“I don’t know when I decided, but I think two more years will be plenty,’’ said Nelson, who makes his offseason home in Hawaii. “I don’t want to end up dying with my last timeout on the court. Timeout and fall over dead. I want to enjoy retirement a little bit. I’ve got a lot of things I want to do.’’

Nelson said the Warriors being 25-48 during an injury-riddled season hasn’t been a factor in his decision. He said he will walk away regardless of the team’s record over the next two seasons.

“Good or bad season has nothing to do with it,’’ Nelson said. “I think (leaving in two years is) right for the organization. I’ve had enough, and it’s time to move on… (The Warriors) asked me to stay on two more. My wife and I decided that will be enough then.’’

Nelson has an NBA coaching mark of 1,305-1002 over 29 seasons. The only coach to have won more is Wilkens, who went 1,332-1,115, last coaching in 2004-05.