Nelson contract being extended

ESPN have reported that the Warriors have extended Nelsons deal by two years which was originally due to run out this season. Because of Mullins expiring deal there are rumours abound that Nellie cvould take the GM job but he denied it

No. No. Don't want to be. No," Nelson said, according to the Mercury News. "I'm not interested in general manager, or coach and general manager, or anything else. I'll support Mully the whole way. I hope he gets his deal done as well. I love working with Mully. I'm a coach. Period."

On his extension

"It wasn't my idea," Nelson said, according to the San Jose Mercury News. "It was fine with me to weigh it year to year. But they came to me and wanted me to commit to three years and, uh, I'm pretty excited about it. It's quite an honor really to be wanted. At my age, you're lucky if anybody wants you. Hopefully your wife."

To be honest i'm a little mixed about the Warriors deciding to extend Nellie. Obviously after the Dirty dozen he has done wonders for restoring the image of Warriors Basketball and put them back on the map. Here's a look at the pro's and cons

Pro's

Extending him means that he will actually coach this season with a long term plan in mind. When Nellie took over the Mavericks in the late 90s, he got there with a long-term plan in mind. And he tanked 97-98 in order to draft Dirk Nowitzki.

If Nellie was a lame duck coach, he would have been under pressure to succeed immediately to ensure that he got another contract. And he would have squeezed every last victory out of the 2008-2009 Warriors, giving us close to 40 wins and a late lottery pick.

Now that Nellie is secure with his 3 year contract, and a potential front office position, he will be more likely to see the big picture.

Also, with the extension in place, Don Nelson will have more time to properly secure and mentor a successor.

Now that Nelson knows he's wanted perhaps he can take the time and not overplay the veterans when as proved in stretches llast year the younger crowd can do just as good

Cons

More small ball for the next two years which doesn't work as we all know

His refusal to play his bench last year was one of the factors in missing the playoffs as no doubt the vets would have had more in their tank to finish stronger

Small ball for the next three years which as we all know by now

Justin Williams signed

The Warriors made their last Training Camp invite to Justin Willams formerly of the Sacramento Kings and Houston Rockets according to nba.com. I don't expect williams to make the team with all the bigs we have but with his lengthy wingspan and a decent vertical it should be interesting. A lot of the youtube videos I've just looked at show him scoring garbage time points in the paint which means he'll have to properly develop his outside shot if we wants to have a chance. Hopefully he sticks around and makes the final 15 because of his aggressive defense and Rebounding. one thing that sticks out with me this year is we have considerably more depth with big men Biedrins, Turiaf, Wright, Williams, and Randolph. One Training camp body to watch out for anyway.

Draft Express profile

Warriors sign Biedrins

Fortunately even after all the speculation about a possible move to Russia Biedrins was locked up to a long term deal at 6 years 63 million according to ESPN'S very own Marc Stein. The 6th year is a players option but it puts the Warriors up against the luxury tax which as we all know Cohan wouldn't want to pay. Because of his agent Robert Duffy using his intelligence with Russian teams bidding for his signature and no NBA team even wanting the guy Biedrins was paid serious money. If the contract is structured the same way as Monta Ellis' contract, the salary payouts could be equal throughout the 6 years of the contract. Obviously Biedrins brings numerous advantages to the Warriors which are listed below.

Rebounding As you could tell last season no Warriors player really bothered to rebound hence the difficulties in matching up against the likes of the Boozers or Garnett type players. Biedrins was the only one who crashed the boards night in night out which considering his limited minutes is a mean feat. Unlike some Centers his size the quickness he displays in going for a rebound was obviously noted when the Contract was given out.

Low Post defense Did anyone see the likes of Harrington trying to guard Marcus Camby or Elton Brand. At least with Biedrins you know you're going to have to work hard for your numbers although with Turiaf this could change things. Because of his low post defense guys like Baron or Jackson could scramble on Defense creating a disadvantage. Andris does his best to plug the holes before the offense finds them.

Half Court Offense Because of the sheer Run and Gun nature of the team Biedrins was used as a half court option along with Webber. Anytime Jackson and ellis wanted it he could run the pick and roll and showed flexbility that no previous warrior Center displayed. Andris is fluid with the ball and comfortable either putting it on the floor or keeping it safely tucked away and if he develops a more offensive array watch out. More importantly when Davis or Ellis looked to drive to the Basket Biedrins quickly cleared the floor unlike most big lumbering players ala Paul millsap and still be in good rebounding position. Not many players have the physical attributes Biedrins has.

For a offseason that began with a whimper when Davis departed and Maggette being given a horrible contract it now looks like being a success due to the extensions given to Monta and Andris, Kelenna's offer sheet being matched, The Turiaf and Williams acqusitions and Randolph impressing in Summer League means that even though little cap space is in line for the lucrative 2009-2010 Free Agency period unlike previous years they've kept their youngsters on board

Warriors Sign Anthony Morrow

Pretty much means that my personal favourite from the Summer League roster DeMarcus Nelson won't have a chance to shine because of the size of the roster now but Anthony Morrow was signed to a contract. I love this signing for a few reasons which are listed below.

: He can shoot. He's not like Marco who gets hot and cold one night the guy is a pretty talented pure shooter. He's third on Georgia Techs list for 3 pointers made and unlike much of the questionable shots that were hoisted up last year Morrow takes smart ones. Also sets GTs record for best career FT percentage (86.7. In fact Check out this stat. He made 16 of 19 from 3-point range in six games with the Warriors. Wow.

: He's about 6'5 210 pounds and adds a another rebounding body. In a few yeears hopefully he could be the Azubuike of perimeter rebounding.

: He was undrafted and has something to prove to the whole Basketball world. Never mind the fact he din't play in the first two Summer League games by the end of the campaign he was the Warriors third biggest scoring threat behind Anthony Randolph and DeMarcus Nelson. with a collection of overachievers see Monta Ellis, Stephen Jackson, Azubuike, Andris Biedrins Morrow will fit in that group perfectly

Warriors get Marcus williams

Finally a true backup PG on the roster and a decent pickup by Mullin. Traded from the Nets for lottery picks e.g. lottery protected for 2011 – so the Nets get it if the Warriors are in the playoffs. If it goes to 2012, the pick is protected 1-to-11. It’s protected 1-to-10 for 2013. If it is not conveyed by 2013, the Nets s\get second rounders in 2013 and 2015. Good luck trying to work that out.

But I like the move even though CJ Watson probably doesn't. His 3 point shot went up a drastic improvment from his rookie season and his court vision is better then CJ's. My only worry is his assist-to-turnover ratio is awful: 2.6/1.4 last year in short minutes and when you go into his secondary stats well don't go there. It's easy to see why the Nets got Keyoon Dooling rathger then keeping his contract. I don't see him getting serious playing time but if Williams is to get considered he needs to lose weight and work on his shooting a lot more. Still he has a potential to be a star such is the advantage of the Run and Gun system for any Point Guard plus looking at his dissapointing form with the Nets any Point Guard will be overshadowed when Jason Kidd ahead of you. Having C.J. Watson and Marcus Williams will give the Warriors a serious player at the position when Nelly decides to play small ball.

Don Nelson returns for the 2008-2009 season

The best and only important news of a longer then usual offseason thanks to the misforunte of seeing a possible Lakers Championship. Nelson is back one more year to save this incompetent Front Office and a flawed roster from not doing much otherwhise.

We wouldn't be anywhere else with this guy

Don Nelson coming back

Seriously I cannot imagine anyone taking control of a roster that has a lot of flaws but lead them to 48 wins in the most competetive Western Conference Playoff race in NBA history. I very much doubt any Coach other then Nelson would give brutally honest interviews after every game, No other coach other then Nelson has to deal with a woeful tendency of drafting project big men ala POB, No other coach would have to deal with an organiazation that has so far refused to admit dealing Jason Richardson for nothing was a mistake. And finally for a team notable for the repetitive draft failures much like he did when he first arrived in the Bay Area he's changed a fanbase accustomed to a losing culture for 12 years and made Golden State hoops relevant again.

Increidbly this is Nelsons 30th year in the League. His coaching record, Basketball achievements and innovation is matched by very few.

Don Nelson wikipedia
Irish Warriors Search for Don Nelson

Here's what one year of Don Nelson means.

Warriors on Hardwood floor One more of Nelson means once again the Dubs are the primary attraction on the Basketball floor. The only reason worth staying up late is to watch them on national TV or League pass.

Baron Considering Baron is in a contract extension year I very much doubt he'll opt out now the Warriors front office will (hopefully) shake off their cheap reputation and shell out the money. I'm slightly conflicted over whether we should resign Boom Dizzle. I'd love to see the Warriors take care of Baron Davis with a reasonable contract and have his Beardness retire a Warrior (like Jason Richardson should have), but I do understand the worries about BD's health and even his attitude with a poor coach (which Chris Cohan is almost certain to bring on sometime in the near future).

He's even got a sense of humour

Someone Will leave No way this roster stays put for the 2007-2008 season. He has no confidence in the young talent like Brandon Wright or Bellineli and POB is a goner. Should be interesting to see whther he retains the entire trio of Harrington, Pietrus and Barnes even though Air france and Barnes are probably gone. . I will definitely miss any of this trio that the Warriors front office understandably doesn't bring back.

Outcoached Forget the Dave Cowen days or Brian Winters the Warriors will rarely get outcoached.

No NBA Title though This has often been the main critiscm when these so called experts rate Nelson in the top NBA Coaches of all time list. Even though I agree Nelson relies too much on his Run and Gun style which doesn't work in this defensive age you could argue unlike a Phil Jackson, Larry Brown, Jerry Sloan or Gregg Popovich he's never had the same amount of talent as those guys. Discounting Steve Nash, Dirk Nowitzki, Tim Hardaway, Chris Mullin or Mithc Ritchmond nonoe of them had the same level of talent as Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Larry Bird, Isiah Thomas, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, and Tim Duncan. It's bad luck for Nelson but when evaulating him in that type of list you have to look at factors such as those.

Look three coaches are better then him Larry Brown, Phil Jackson, Jerry Sloan and Gregg Popovich. But I would contend none of those coaches would want to coach an organisation that had just given out ludricious contracts to Dunleavy, Murphy and Foyle neither which proved they were worthy of a lenghty extension. He's had to deal with a cheap Front office and a team that's missed the playoffs 13 out of 14 years. Yet despite theese setbacks Golden State is back on the NBA map.

He's defintely the right Coach for next season.

He Signed

Finally after a longer then expected year the Warriors have announced the signing of Chris Webber. After 14 seasons him and Nellie reunited. Such a scenario was not expected by any fan.

His Take

I'm in the grouping of people who like this move. First off a general misconception along fans is the warriors run all the time and therefore Webber would not be suited for Nellieball coming off Knee Surgery and a long period without playing. However it could be said the only player that runs Nellieball to the fullest extent is Monta. Webber has been bought in to Rebound, Shoot the midrange Jumper (Which Al and biedrins don't have) and throw the outlet pass which he's successful as. When a team like the utah Jazz or the San Antonio Spurs slow down the tempo Webber provides a low post option to guard the Duncan's or the Boozer's that frankly Matt Barnes was incapable off.

His post passing as we all know with the Kings was terrific to watch. Him and Vlade Divac poccessed amazing ability to find the open man. With CWebb in, look for the big men to be throwing more top-of-the-key ally-oops, watch for the patented Chris Webber baseline behind-the-back pass, and realize that the Warriors now feature the best passing frontcourt in the entire league (Webber/Harrington/Jackson). Hell, combine that with Monta Ellis and Baron Davis, and you get the best passing STARTING 5 in the league. Chemistry will increase with Webber on the floor.

For all the grief he gets about his knee, CWebb showed (on the 76ers) that he's still perfectly capable of getting by his man. The Webber spin move (with the illegal hook) is still there. The midrange J is still solid. Webber gives us something Biedrins, O'Bryant, Crosshere, or (presently) Wright cannot give us: a consistent scoring threat on the block. Al and Chris should make this a damn entertaining rest of the year.

Webber at his finest against the Magic. Look out for a young Popovich taking over for Nellie



I also like this signing because even Biedrins has been mediocre of late despite the 26 rebounds.Austin has been a SOLID addition this year playing in the middle, but his vulnerability to "soreness" makes AB the lame horse that he isnt when he is struggling. Throwing CW in the mix will give AB some time to get back to being AB in time for the playoffs (crossing fingers).

Veteran - A few head fakes here, a pump fake there and CW can easily be a 10-16ppg/5apg stat. What CW lost in mobility can be made up by his court awareness and veteran moves and jukes.

Is it just me, or has AB been somewhat mediocre as of late? Austin has been a SOLID addition this year playing in the middle, but his vulnerability to "soreness" makes AB the lame horse that he isnt when he is struggling. Throwing CW in the mix will give AB some time to get back to being AB in time for the playoffs (crossing fingers).

A few head fakes here, a pump fake there and CW can easily be a 10-16ppg/5apg stat. What CW lost in mobility can be made up by his court awareness and veteran moves and jukes.

Webber will likely become a Warrior tommorow

From Marc Stein of ESPN.com

Chris Webber's unlikely but fast-moving return to the Golden State Warriors is on course to be completed by Tuesday, according to sources close to the negotiations.

Barring an unexpected change of heart, sources said, Webber will accept the invitation from former coach Don Nelson and former teammate Chris Mullin to come back to the team with whom he won NBA Rookie of the Year honors in 1994, only for Webber to force a trade to Washington some six months later when his prickly relationship with Nelson collapsed.

Yahoo provide a further twist to the tale

I hope that it happens to be quite honest with you," Nelson said Sunday before the Warriors hosted the New York Knicks. "I think our team needs it."

In other words Nelson thinks the team needs Webber. To put this in perspective if you had tolkd me during the Mike Montgomery era that a few years later Monty would be fired, Nellie and Chris Webber would be reunited and Foyle, Dunleavy Murphy and Fisher would be gone I would have laughed but thats exaclty what happenned. It's still interesting to see Nellie thinks Webber would be an essential part of this team when he doesn't even give Brandon Wright some PT buts that another story.

A nice tibit of the latest from this latest story

Don Nelson lengthy Q& A: Making his case for Webber
Webber to Warriors? Matt Barnes approves
Nelson embracing concept of Webber's return
Get ready for Nellie and Webber circus
Players keen on Webber relationship with Nellie repaired
Nelson puts it painly team direly needs Webber
Webber reunion could go all wrong
Clock ticking on Artest meltdown

Game summaries

Finally back from longer then expected stint in Southern California. Despite the delays and unexpected storm Los Angeles is some place to visit even though it's Laker county. Anyway I'll rite up a quick summary for the ones I missed I'll link you to the boxscore as in most cases the numbers do the talking.

Game 1: Golden State: 112 Houston:95

Despite the refs and Nelsons ejection a nice road win was pulled out here. It seemed virtually the Rockets game at the start of the 4th but for once Team Defense ( Baron had a couple steals and blocks) Monta pulling a nice layup over Yao and finishing with 20 points, 6 rebounds, and shooting 8 for 11, Baron dominating Rafaer Alston and making the injury talk premature with 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists. His Defense was the key to pulling away and the 3 point shooting by Captain Jack, Al etc gave us a very nice new years eve party.



Game 2: Dallas 121 Golden State:99

What the heck happenned here. Ther Warriors consistently showed their pride to the Basketball world that they contained MVP Dirk Nowitzki to his worst playoff series in a long while. This was a game where not only did Dirk deleiver a big game the entire team of Dallas seemingly averaged 10 or more points in this game. Dampier, Stackhouse, Devin the Flopper Harris all of them delivered big performances. Baron had a lackluster performance but I'd rather this happenned rather then the injury part. At least Harrington delivered a big game but other then that this was a forget it move on game.



Golden State: 130 San Antonio: 121

Everyone traditionally knows just how much the Spurs own us. And yet despite a combination of factors such as a horrendous Shot Selection, the lack of rotation the Northern Californian storm and Tim Duncan going crazy 32 and 13 inside Golden State pulled this out in OT. As expected the usual suspects had the big game but to see Air France go 5-9 with all the trade talk surronding him is a big bonus. He crashed the boards getting 6 which doesn't sound like an awful lot but his hustle in fast breaks and in the lane is noticeable. The player who was least expected to make an impact is making one. The bench had a major contribution Kelenna going 7-7 and Biedrins whose game is quietly polishing holding his own against Timmy d. Lastly the clutchness of Jackson and Davis making big shots when they counted meant the San Antonio curse could be over.

Portland: 109 Golden State: 91

Garbage game garbage performance. Coming off the Spurs big game win you think the energy levels would be big but sadly they came out flat and the fans who bothered to travel were subjected to 23 minutes of Croshere displaying his awfulness. Once again it wasn't a case of Nelson being outcaoched but Portland displaying their strengths by half court sets using pick and rolls, post ups and three pointers. The scored on fast breaks and also used their size advantage with Aldridge and Przybilla to get easy buckets. No one put a body on Blake but Jackson really killed Golden State tonight with his 1-6 shooting and his lack of captaincy moaning to the refs rather then not getting back on D isn't going to help you. Maybe this accounted for the lack of Defense overall as a team 32 assists on 40 made field goals is a shocking stat. A few positives were C.J Watson (more later) make a nice contribution off the bench and Marco and B. Wright get some invaluable PT but other then that this loss was depressingly awful



And lastly it looks like the long wait for a backup PG is over. Mullin used his NBDL knowledge to find CJ Watson from the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. He's supossed to be on a 10 day contract but it might not be a bad idea to extend it further.

Warriors waive Lasme sign Mbenga

Here's DJ


There are some news that make you puzzled or just don't make any sense. Todays news fit into the category with the latest being Golden State have decided to release Stephen Lasme the second round pick of last years draft and sign Mbenga a 6*8 Center as a replacement. Mbenga spent three seasons with the Dallas Mavericks and even though he's a very limited Offensive player the only logic I can use for the pickup is he adds height to get the Boards. He has hardly played the last couple of seasons so really Nellie and our coahing staff must have thought Lasme played terrible to merit a Rosster Spot otherwhise going by Preason he certainly had the Blocking Abilities, Rebounding threat and athletiscm to make the team. Of course he had downsides he was limited offensively and was old for a 2nd round pick (25) but surely he has more potential then Mbenga. I for one hope he doesn't turn into another Chris Taft

Now for our latest pickup the numbers really are lows. He's had 1.3 PPG and .9 RPG and shooting a low 47.8% for a Center. With POB as a backup Center and Lasme was primarly a Forward why the Dubs felt the need to take him on is puzzling and even more weird now is the whole Kosta situation. The Contract extension we gave to him in the offseason appears to be meaningless. Another puzzling move by a Front Office that never ceases to amaze