Sentimentality in his personal life is a big deal to Nuggets head coach Brian Shaw.
From time-to-time in a bag that holds some of the clothing of his deceased parents and sister, he’ll take out a garment and hold it over his nose to have a piece of them close.
As we’re finding out, that’s not Shaw’s only tribute to the relatives killed in a car accident 20 years ago.
Shaw also wears an earring. The only times he doesn’t wear it are during practice and the actual games. But in pre-game and post-game press conferences, as well as every other place in life, he does.
It’s a special earring that didn’t start out as an earring at all.
Shaw explains.
“This was a ring that, it was my mother’s wedding ring,” Shaw said, eyes glistening. “When she passed away I just made it into an earring. So it’s a way for me to always feel like I have her with me.”
He smiled.
“Or like she’s in my ear,” Shaw said, bringing some laughter.
“So,” he said. “That’s why I wear it.”
