Business As Usual: Baron Davis and Don Nelson Creating Uncertainty with Golden State Warriors
March 13 08
The Very Quick AM Take: The Golden State Warriors give new meaning to transition basketball. On-court, they always push the ball, hoping to score easy points whenever possible. Off-court, rumors swirl around the team, specifically the status of Coach Don Nelson and superstar Baron Davis.
Nelson is known for creating mismatches with small-ball. He’s also known for creating drama with ownership by testing the terms of his contract. His return to the Warriors has been no different. Nellie’s up-tempo style helped ’We Believe’ reach the second round of last year’s playoffs and, of course, the mad-scientist and owner Chris Cohan got in a summer-long dispute over pay.
This year, Nellie is up to his old tricks, with a slight twist. The Warriors, thanks to small-ball, are holding on to eighth place in the highly competitive Western Conference. Over the last few days, the sideline boss has mentioned retiring due to old age.
Davis, like many of today’s superstars, can opt-out of his contract after this season. And he hasn’t decided whether he’ll leave the final 17 million dollars of his deal on the table and test free agency.
Chances are the suddenly slim point-guard will play out his contract and re-sign long-term with the Warriors. Leaving a fortune on the table is bad business. However, there is no guarantee Davis stays in Golden State.
Most teams would implode with a coach looking to cash his 501K and a superstar considering free agency. Not the quirky Warriors. After all, they’re used to transition basketball.
What happens next year with Golden State? Get at us in the comment box below with your take and subscribe to Oly Sandor’s NBA Blog.
The AM Take is Oly’s morning thoughts on the NBA appearing Sunday through Friday on HoopsVibe NBA Blog. Errors can be attributed to the time and his need for another coffee. (image appears courtesy of flickr.com)
