Don't forget who the real leader of this team is

by Genejo on Feb 22, 2008 10:26 AM PST

Great article about Nellie, excerpt:

I understood the more important subject matter -- the Warriors' chain of command. Davis was required to explain what had happened. He explained in great detail, explained with respect the way a student would explain himself to a teacher. In fact, this was a moment of teaching and learning. It also was a moment of exposure. Nelson did not care that a dozen reporters witnessed this scene. He wanted an answer and he wanted to instruct.

As Davis spoke, Nelson nodded his head. From time to time, he said, "OK, OK" in a quiet voice. Clearly, he accepted Davis' explanation. Perhaps Nelson had misunderstood Davis' intention on the court and now they were together again, together in their thinking, together in their intent, coach and player. Clearly, Nelson had held Davis accountable and just as clearly Davis accepted Nelson's right to demand accountability.

It really shows the respect these players have for him...

full article: http://www1.pressdemocrat.com/article/20080222/WIRE/802220325/1010/SPORT01

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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If only...

He would play some rookies!

by krazybalr on Feb 22, 2008 11:01 AM PST reply actions

wow

great article. we definitely can't forget that we're a winning team not just because of our players, but also because of our hall of fame coach!

"If somebody come in your gym and score 72 points, you goin' to stop playin too." - Friend on Monta Ellis' 72 point highschool game

by SAV IT OUT on Feb 22, 2008 11:12 AM PST reply actions

thats why

we need to go for it all soon. i'd be in favor of a major move this offseason (as long as it didnt involve monta) that would make us legit contenders. i think we need to capitalize on the time with have with nellie and baron together.

passes it to the man...and boom goes the dynamite!

by sam23 @ Golden State Of Mind on Feb 22, 2008 11:33 AM PST up reply actions

Yes

i think we need to capitalize on the time with have with nellie and baron together.

Exactly! I think if BD doesn't opt out then Nellie will coach his last year...08-09 is it...Also, as long as a trade doesn't involve beans, unless we're upgrading the center position.

by RubberDubDubs on Feb 22, 2008 12:45 PM PST up reply actions

exactly

hopefully baron doesnt opt out (or does and signs for less....yea right) and nellie comes back for another year. but then you HAVE to be willing to make a move for another piece. make monta and jack(for chemistry reasons) untouchable. beans untouchable unless you upgrade at center. everyone else up for grabs.

passes it to the man...and boom goes the dynamite!

by sam23 @ Golden State Of Mind on Feb 22, 2008 3:35 PM PST up reply actions

it's so

nice to have our star player be a team guy. it shows great example for teammates and makes Nelson's job so much easier.

by KeepdaCore on Feb 22, 2008 11:30 AM PST reply actions

lol

i feel bad for barnes. i know how it feels like when a coach is callin u out. damnn especially in front of the media.

by baller90210 on Feb 22, 2008 12:43 PM PST reply actions

Any other Anti-authoritarians out there?

I'm sorry but to berate Barnes in front of the Media is not cool. Barnes is a man and should be treated as such. That means you don't scold him like he's not capable of reflecting upon his decision and realizing he screwed up.

So typical that this journalist would create this false dichotomy of authoritarian control and anarchy. Never considering, or asking the audience to consider, other forms of cooperation.

Granted in the NBA, and much of the rest of American culture, this type of behavior is accepted but I for one think is a sad way to show leadership.

I love Nellie for the character he is and for what he's done for this team, but this type of leadership is not something that should be commended.

On a practical note... I fully acknowledge that Nellie is who he is and at this point in his life he's not changing. So the team is going to have to put up with some of this BS.

However, I don't think we should sit idly by and not acknowledge that there are better more respectful ways to coach and to lead... let alone praise him for such behavior.

"To be a great champion you must believe you are the best. If you're not, pretend you are." - Muhammad Ali

by Dubs Wise on Feb 22, 2008 1:08 PM PST reply actions

Barnes deserved it and more

That was an atrocious take. No excuse at all. He is a captain and should take responsibility for his actions. Which he seems to have in stride. Won't do it again. Great article. More detail through experience not speculation. Great diary.

by eshock @ Golden State Of Mind on Feb 22, 2008 6:01 PM PST up reply actions

Not the point...

Nobody's arguing if he screwed up... that's a given.

My point is that this glorification, which you seem to buy into wholeheartedly, of the need for a strong authoritarian coach who puts his players in their "place" is sad way too coach and to lead a team.

Barnes screwed up, he knows it and nobody is probably harder on him then himself. So why is it a good thing for the coach to humiliate the man. What's the point...

Oh right, it will make him try harder and not be so foolish next time.

Sorry I don't buy into the idea that if you tear a man down that it is a good thing. That somehow it will give him the incentive to improve.

It is a weak philosophy and overall a destructive one...

"To be a great champion you must believe you are the best. If you're not, pretend you are." - Muhammad Ali

by Dubs Wise on Feb 23, 2008 10:52 AM PST up reply actions