Commentary: Its Mulson Time

by commish on Aug 31, 2007 7:44 AM PDT

You gotta love Tim Kawakami. In his latest blog er rant, he makes a multitude of points including that it is time for Mullins to earn his GM money and seal the deal with Nelson. That means selling it to Cohan, who probably just hates the "wiliness" of the sly Nelson who--as we know--always just loves screwing with owner's heads and pocketbooks.

As usual, Tim humorously and self-effacingly covers a variety of Mulson related topics in his last few postings. we haven't had a Tim posting in quite a while, so enjoy:

http://www.mercextra.com/blogs/kawakami/2007/08/30/time-for-mullin-to-close-the-nelson-deal-if-its-t here-to-be-closed/#more-581

This FanPost is a submission from a member of the mighty Golden State of Mind community. While we're all here to throw up that W, these words do not necessarily reflect the views of the GSoM Crew. Still, chances are the preceding post is Unstoppable Baby!

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Nellie will be back

Nellie is a lazy arse when it comes to this kind of stuff. He knows what he wants, he knows that he will get his way and he knows that he will return. He'll just do it slowly all while having a Bud Light in hand looking like he just woke up on the beach in Maui. As the Aussie's say, no worries mate.

3 real concerns:

#1. Can BD play more than 48 games?
#2. Will B. Wright be right or wrong?
#3. Are Coma and Sleepy Freud the same blogger?

by gabezgsw on Aug 31, 2007 8:50 AM PDT reply actions

It's Mulson time!

by Sleepy Freud on Aug 31, 2007 10:34 AM PDT reply actions

Haha

That pic is dying to become a webpin. While it would probably work as is I think a clever caption would put it over the top. Any ideas???

by olympicmike on Aug 31, 2007 12:22 PM PDT up reply actions

LOL @ myself

"It's Mulson Time" is perfect I don't know how I missed that... D'Oh.

Sleepy, you should add the caption and sport that for a while. Of course if you don't want to I know someone who will...

by olympicmike on Aug 31, 2007 12:28 PM PDT up reply actions

LOL- Love it!

Sorry for the late reply- they should get into the brown ale business!

by Tony.psd on Sep 5, 2007 4:05 PM PDT up reply actions

tim k

is the best. Hella good insights, hella funny, and he jocks warriors bball.

I think of the situation this way, and I think all warriors fans are aware of this: This team cannot exist without Coach Nelson. Yea, the guys a bastard, and he is definetly wrong. But whos gonna coach these guys to the same level that Nellie can? Almost no one. This team is tailor made to HIM. He probably knows that too.

If you are Mullin and Rowell/Cohan(loser/loser), and you play hardball with Nellie, you have to be thinking backup plan. So, who is your plan B coach if Nellie doesn't work out? Keith Smart? Get friggin real. One of the big positives with Nelson is that he had the ability not only to corral the boom dizzle, but to also earn his respect and get him playing at a (pause for effect) SUPERSTAR level. Anyone who saw Game 1 Dallas Q3 or any of the playoffs for that matter saw BD play like a superstar. He played at a career best level, you could say. Can another Coach do that? He better have a hell of a pedigree.

In sum, while I do think Nelson is completly wrong, the team is pretty damn dependent on him. And they should give him what he wants, if not in full(just to show some huevos) then at least for the most part. Because fellas, were gonna have a hell of a team next year, im starting to feel it.

1dub

by jrizzle on Aug 31, 2007 12:26 PM PDT reply actions

what's wrong with keith smart?

i like the dude
nelson likes the dude

heck, i'm pretty sure nelson lets the assistant coaches run practice and work individually with people

as for baron, it's not just Nellie, it's stephen silas, one of his buddies. While under Monty, the Baron-coach relationship was adversarial. Under the current regime, there are guys he can trust, which is, really, the biggest thing.

I want nellie back, but i don't know if the future is doomed without him

who really thinks he'd stick around for a 3rd year anyways? i thought it was widely accepted he would only be around 2 years max when he signed, regardless of contract length

Questions? Complaints?

(AIM: JetForze; email: Jon.d.ma@gmail.com)

by OptionZero @ Golden State Of Mind on Aug 31, 2007 12:40 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm not sure anybody's hardballing

I don't think the sides are very apart. Nelson's just taking his sweet time, because that's his style.

by San Francisco Slim on Aug 31, 2007 3:14 PM PDT up reply actions

of course i don't like what nellie is doing

but i don't hate him for doing it nor do i think he is wrong. if he walks away, that will definately be wrong, but if hes just trying to get more money then thats cool, he deserves it. no team in the league is more dependent on their coach and he is one of the best coaches of all time. 5 or 6 million a year is not that high of a price for nellie, plus it doesnt go towards the cap.

by Proof on Aug 31, 2007 7:52 PM PDT up reply actions

"best coaches of all time"

meh

by GameSix on Sep 4, 2007 8:11 AM PDT up reply actions

Option Zero!

this dude.

Questions:

Do you think Keith Smart will take this team to the same level that Nelson will? And if so, what exactly is it founded upon?

If you had to pick one person above the rest, who would you say was the biggest catalyst in Baron Davis' performance last year, Don Nelson, or Stephen Silas?

As for Keith Smart. I like the dude too. So what?

by jrizzle on Aug 31, 2007 12:47 PM PDT reply actions

it's the system

It's the system that Don Nelson brings, and I find it hard to believe that no one else could possibly run that system. He invented it, he brought it, he's got the personality we and the players love.

But now that it's here and installed, the task isn't to create something that will work, but maintaining something that works. Big difference.

Smart has come off as articulate in the multiple interviews he's done on KNBR. He was endorsed by Don Nelson. As I said, Smart is already given responsibilities to run the team in practice, so he's got to have worked with Ellis and Biedrins (as the veterans typically don't need extra help in practice).

This summer, Smart (and Larry Riley) did alot of pre-draft scouting. They worked with the rookies, building a rapport with guys like Wright, Lasme, and Belinelli.

In the Vegas summer league, Smart installed the Nelson system and ran in successfully with a squad of mostly new guys. Our style is distinctive, and you could see the players making an effort to execute within it.

Nelson's value (after installing his system and vision) comes from the respect he commands with veterans. This matters when you have Baron and Jackson.

The on-court system will take care of itself. Baron and Jackson will still thrive.

The only concern I'd have is whether Smart commands respect from the veterans, which will be a big deal when we hit a bump in the road, injury, or losing streak.

If Nelson walks and Baron's not happy, trade him. Collect package in return, hand the young team to Keith Smart. I could live with that, and I WANT Nelson back.

Questions? Complaints?

(AIM: JetForze; email: Jon.d.ma@gmail.com)

by OptionZero @ Golden State Of Mind on Aug 31, 2007 1:09 PM PDT up reply actions

ok

didn't answer any of my questions, as expected.

Seems like there is a lot of BS in your response, because you are not tackling the issue. The issue is: Smart is not as good as Don Nelson. You do not deal with that issue. Instead, you are creating reasons why Keith Smart wont be that bad.

Nelson is the man for the job. Period.

Smart has come off as articulate on KNBR....COACH OF THE YEAR.

Dude, I deal with facts, not KNBR interviews. Nelson is a 3 time coach of the year, second winningest of all time, and he took us on a ridiculous playoff run last year that no one else could have. Unless you can name me a coach that can do better with this team? This team is tailored to Nelson!

Here's the answers to my questions:

Will Smart do as good as a job? Hell no dude, its called Nelson's system for a reason. ITS NELSONS SYSTEM. Also, credentials listed above. What are Smart's credentials...why don't you tell everyone what they are? Better idea, u can link them to knbr.com.

Also, you didn't touch the Stephen Silas one, I don't blame you.

by jrizzle on Aug 31, 2007 1:23 PM PDT up reply actions

Um

I don't think anybody ever said that Nelson wasn't the best man for the job. In fact in both posts OZ said he wanted Nelson back. I guess the real debate is how we would do without him. What would the drop off be? I think that everyone would be disapointed if Nelson leaves.

You asked do you think that Smart could take this team to the same level that Nelson did last year. I would ask if you think that Nelson himself could take this years team as far as he did last year? Me...I'm not so sure.

Although I do value having his voice in the front office almost as much as I value his coaching. I think that Nelson is ultimately a short term solution. Lets hope that Smart and Mullin are learning as much as they can because even if he returns for this year chances are it will be his last.

by olympicmike on Aug 31, 2007 1:43 PM PDT up reply actions

Umm

I don't think I have heard that he IS the best man for the job. I never denied that OZ wants him back.

Yes, I asked if Smart could take the team to the level of Nelson. The answer is, of course, no. You ask can Nelson repeat. It will be more difficult, but Nelson has shown the ABILITY to get the best out of his players(his trademark, highlighting their strengths) and he did it last year. So to do it next year, at least he has a track record for this kind of thing.

Nelson IS a short term solution, no doubt. So what? Eventually we are gonna need a replacement, but lets take this hall of famer as long as we can get him, and as long as he is performing at a high level. Then we can discuss keith smart.

by jrizzle on Aug 31, 2007 2:18 PM PDT up reply actions

Well

Despite the slightly combatant tone I think we are basically saying the same thing.

You were the one who asked the question "who would be our plan B?". My read on what followed is that while ideally we would retain Nelson if he left Smart would not be as bad of a choice as you thought. "Get friggin real" sounds pretty harsh. While I agree that he is an unknown and would not command the same respect as Nelson (OZ also agreed with this) I think as far as unproven NBA coaches go (Avery Johnson anyone?) Smart has a pretty good chance at being successful if he keeps Nelson's system intact. If we bring in a more established guy he would bring in his own system and we would in essence have to start from scratch.

Lets just hope that we can keep the old drunk one more year so we don't have to deal with this beyond speculation. While I like Smart's chances as the next head coach I really don't want to see if I'm right this year.

by olympicmike on Aug 31, 2007 2:39 PM PDT up reply actions

the level of don nelson

What's the level that Don Nelson has taken the team to? 42-40.

Are we asking if Smart can improve the team as much as Nelson?
Nelson improved the team 8 games over the previous year under Monty.
If that's the question, then, no, I doubt Smart will tack 8 games on top of 42-40. That leap is much more difficult to make, for any coach and team.

If the issue, however, is whether Smart can sustain the team's current performance, then, yes, I believe Smart could do it.

Like I said and you conveniently ignored, Nelson did the hard part creating and implementing a system. I'm also thankful he took us over the hump the first time, because all subsequent times it will be easier. The other big thing is the culture of the team- now we have an identity, something to hang our hat one, a plan to adhere to.

Smart's task is much easier than Nelsons- he's not turning a franchise around, he's nudging a franchise along. Given that he's facing less of a challenge, with the roster already "rebuilt" and (hopefully) a smarter, more experienced front office behind him, I stand by my support of Keith Smart.

Questions? Complaints?

(AIM: JetForze; email: Jon.d.ma@gmail.com)

by OptionZero @ Golden State Of Mind on Aug 31, 2007 3:39 PM PDT up reply actions

and why

do you think smart could do it--forget creating anything, what makes you think he could SUSTAIN the level? Come on, bust out his previous coaching experience. Id like everyone to hear it who doesn't know.

And also, screw sustaining. Its possible Nelson could even IMPROVE the team from last year. And I'm not talking about 42-40....that is a little misleading. I'm talking about 16-5, 9-1, and a first round playoff victory over the #1 seed in the NBA. THAT is the level of Don Nelson. Keith Smart doesn't touch it.

by jrizzle on Aug 31, 2007 3:47 PM PDT up reply actions

its not JUST THE SYSTEM

and yeah i also like kieth smart and think he would be okay next year and will probably be our next coach and will be really good after a year or two more under nellie. It aint just the system, it goes beyond that. its credibility that nelson brings, leadership and he can just flat out coach and get the respect of the players. you think if montgomery told these guys to run up and down they would have been any good.

by Proof on Aug 31, 2007 7:55 PM PDT up reply actions

i also don't know

how you could live with no nelson or baron.

by Proof on Aug 31, 2007 7:57 PM PDT up reply actions

i know because i have to

Nobody expects Nelson to coach after next year anyways. Given that, the only difference will be whether Keith Smart takes over this year or next. No biggie.

Baron Davis' future has been discussed before. I loved having him here, but practically speaking, $17M for a guy who hasn't played a full season and isn't likely to is pretty stupid.

Questions? Complaints?

(AIM: JetForze; email: Jon.d.ma@gmail.com)

by OptionZero @ Golden State Of Mind on Aug 31, 2007 8:58 PM PDT up reply actions

it is actually, a "biggie"

To have the option of having a hall of fame coach for one more year, one of the greatest of all time, also considering what he did for the team last year and this offseason(run on sentence), I would actually consider that a "biggie".

Yea, hes gone after this year probably, but why worry about that, if we have a chance to get him this year. I'll take all the Nelson I can get.

Agree with the Boom Dizzle argument, this dude plays 60 games a year, and you never know. That kind of player i am reluctant to pay 17M. Still, hes a damn good player when healthy, and carried the team last year. Trade him I guess to get something for him.

(Nelson is the only reason the team did anything last year. Just remember Monty. Just remember Brian Winters.)

by jrizzle on Sep 2, 2007 11:50 PM PDT up reply actions

With or without Nelson

What was the likely scenario? Challenging for the 8th seed.

Remove Nelson from the equation. The roster and the rest of the front office remains the same.

Exactly how much farther away from the 8th seed are we?

Maybe it's just me being pessimistic about our chances to begin with, but I can't say that Smart v Nelson propels us farther ahead or drops us further down.

Like I said before- Smart would not have been able to do what Nelson did last year. Infusing energy, direction, and credibility into the franchise...that's what Nelson did. For that, i'm grateful and I fully acknowledge his accomplishment.

Moving forward, however, was something we would have had to do eventually, and it's much easier than the previous task of turning a franchise around.

Nelson built the Mavs, handed the reigns to Johnson. I can't say they're appreciably worse as a result.

Nelson's built the current Warriors squad. There's a remarkable parallel between the Baron situation and the departure of Nash, as well, but dealing with that is easier than dealing with the post-Monty landscape.

Questions? Complaints?

(AIM: JetForze; email: Jon.d.ma@gmail.com)

by OptionZero @ Golden State Of Mind on Sep 3, 2007 1:09 AM PDT up reply actions