For now, Don Nelson and Stephen Jackson must play nice in Golden State
October 12 09
Breaking NBA news mixed with analysis …
Their News: "The Golden State Warriors will attempt to work unhappy forward Stephen Jackson back into their team fold starting Tuesday, when the Warriors are scheduled to hold their first home practice following four straight preseason games on the road.
Jackson is expected to meet with Warriors general manager Larry Riley and coach Don Nelson before that practice, after missing the last two of those exhibition games through a team-imposed suspension for a sideline blowup with Nelson on Friday night in Los Angeles that was deemed "conduct detrimental" to the club." (ESPN.com)
My Very Quick Analysis: At Tuesday’s meeting, they must call a truce.
Last week, the Golden State Warriors suspended Stephen Jackson for two preseason games after he swore at Coach Don Nelson during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Nelson and Jackson were already at odds because he demanded a trade through the media.
Breaking bread, even if it’s short-term, is the only option for the controversial sideline boss and temperamental swing. Their reputations can’t survive another hit.
Nelson, a fine strategist, is always in the drama. Last season, he feuded with Jamal Crawford, Al Harrington, and former chum Chris Mullin. He left Dallas on bad terms; before that, it was Chris Webber and owner Chris Cohan during tour one with Golden State.
Jackson, a passionate and talented player, has had issues, too. He bounced around with the Nets, Spurs, and Hawks, before signing a lucrative, long-term contract with the Pacers. While playing with small market Indiana, Jackson was involved in a few off-court transgressions, which led to a trade out west.
Initially, these two were a match with the Warriors, connecting over being ’misunderstood’ by their NBA peers. Jackson publicly praised Nelson. And vice-versa. Months ago, Nelson even named Jackson a co-captain and added an extra three years and 30 million dollars to his contract.
Now this. A trade request and suspension. In less than a year, they’ve done a 180 degree switch. Neither looks good. And neither can afford further fallout from this situation.
Come Tuesday, Jackson and Nelson would be wise to play nice following their sit-down. Perhaps, down the line a trade can quietly come together. Of course, this is Golden State, where wisdom and quiet doesn’t always apply.
Got thoughts on Nelson, Jackson, and the Warriors? Follow Oly Sandor’s work on HoopsVibe The Blog and Twitter. Photo courtesy of Dzhonis.
