Warriors' Nelson says he will retire in 2011

Regardless of how his team is doing at the time, 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 in an interview with InDenver Times 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.’’

Two Golden State players said it was news to them that Nelson plans to retire in 2011.

“I hadn’t heard that,’’ said guard Jamal Crawford. “Whenever he decides to retire, he’s earned it. He’s been around for so long.”

Center Ronny Turiaf doesn’t believe it’s necessary for Nelson to share such plans with his players.

“He’s never told me what his plan is,’’ Turiaf said. “I don’t think coach should be talking about the plan with his players. That’s his personal business what he’s going to do. I think it would be out of my way to try to ask him.’’

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.

Nelson didn’t come close Saturday to moving a game closer to Wilkens. The Warriors, who dressed just eight players due to injuries and whose plane didn’t get to Denver until after 1 a.m. Saturday because of mechanical problems, trailed by as many as 32 points.

Chris Tomasson can be reached at christomasson@hotmail.com