I'll personally be handing out 9mm Israeli Uzi's out of the trunk of my car if it doesnt.

Why?

1. Nelson hyped him himself. Yeah, he's the BS-king, but this wasn't a player, this was a coach. Pretty sure he was being serious this time (right?)
2.  He's been ran part of the show last season. From what I remember, the assistant coaches (Smart and Silas, sounds like an accounting firm) ran all the practice and pregame drills, and likely some of the draft workouts as well. Nelson and Mullin sat in the bleachers. That tells me Nelson trusts Smart to get in the trenches and hammer out details, and it tells me Smart has been working with Baron and the W's on the lowest level (literally, on the floor, on the court).
3. Listen to him. In every interview, KNBR or FSN or other, he comes across as smooth and articulate. The guy sounds like he knows what he's doing, he's able to explain whats going on to Barnett/Roy, he doesn't stutter, he's just plain...professional. Certainly that says nothing of his basketball accumen, and he'll never be the "character" that Nelson is, but Smart is definitely a people person (which Musselman purportedly was not...)
4. He ran the summer squad. When Azubuike and Belinelli and Pierce were all healthy and playing, the W's were UNSTOPPABLE. Watch the early games (i throw out the last one, when Belinelli left and Azubuike was still out), and you'll see the players up and down the summer roster running WARRIORS BASKETBALL. It was nellie ball, pushing the tempo, aggressively scrambling on defense, throwing the outlet, looking up the court on every possession. Perhaps it was because our style is so distinctive, but even the NBA commentators could say, wow, these are the Warriors playing Warrior basketball, even the summer league guys.

You guys are probably sick of hearing this, but the future can very well be bright even after Nelson.

Questions? Complaints?

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

1. Nelson came to this team with the glimpse of the playoffs far off in the distance...so what, a year later he's going to walk because he doesnt have a shot at a championship anymore? I keep hearing that since the KG deal didnt go down, its a good reason for Nelson to retire.

Why would he sign a 3 year deal almost a year ago to coach a team that had nothing to show for itself...only to just quit because we didnt immediately transform ourselves into champ contenders in the off-season all for his benefit? Why does this seem to make sense to so many people but me???

2. It is about the money. Remember when the Warriors signed our rooks and the media questioned Nelson's employer about the current status regarding his contract? The man replied,
'none of your business." The writer also included that it was a bit snappy and rude. We ALL know how touchy rich men get over their money and their politics...

It seems to me that Nelson has clearly stated a desired number, and he is not backing down from it. Im speculating that theyre just trying to wait him out, and hopefully fish out a deal for less money.

3. Nelson had the best season of his career last year, so he says. Why would he not want to come back for more? Do you hop off the roller coaster ride half-way through??

What kind of incomplete non-romantic, Fu**ed up legacy would Nelson leave behind, if he were just to leave and never show his face again in the NBA? He would be riding off into the sun-rise instead of the sun-set...I dont see Nelson as a guy that just backs down and stays down. Leaving now would leave an empty void within.

4. As mentioned before, Nelson loves to prove people wrong. He would take it upon himself as something personal to challenge critics and bring this team back to the playoffs, even deeper this time.
5. The man simply loves to coach too much. He loves the game too much. This is good for him, good for his health and his family. What? hes going to go back to the beach and sip scotch under the sun all day now?

6. The Chris Webber thing may have some kind of sub-concious effect on Nelon's decision to come back in the first place. I think he still feel's bad about the situation and feels he might have a score to settle, or that he owes it to the fans and the chise...who the hell knows.

Sorry, I reposted this. I want to stir some conversation.

I worked for the Warriors for a couple years, and I can remember the day of my interview...

I walked into Warriors HQ with my pin stripes on, and I could hear the Warriors practicing through the gym doors. I was still a little nervous and uncertain about the job. I sat in the office and waited for my appointment while I watched everyone moving around and going about their business...

I sat there fidgeting wondering if I would get the job, when all the sudden, out of NOWHERE Keith Smart's standing above me with his hand out and he say's "Hey young man, how you doin?"
He looked at me and was like, "do you have an interview? you look a little nervous... I said I did. He patted me on the back and said, "Dont sweat it, youll get the job no problem." He shook my hand again and asked me my name, then he wished me good luck and told me he'd be seeing me around next season... then he went down the hallway whistling.

The guy's got great energy and a way with people. Im excited to have him as a future coaching prospect. A class act.

They're seen a lot together.  Mullin has picked Nellie's brain for the last year.  Mullin has played several years under Nellie and has played in his helter-skelter system. (Nellie was the one who convinced Mullin to stay sober and concentrate on b-ball several eons ago).  

So Mullin knows the in-outs of Nellie's system.  Keith Smart can still be the second banana.