I remember Nelson couldn't wait to be in Maui when Mullin was still GM... Don Nelson in the house, Terrence Williams livens it up, and other group workout notes Posted by Tim Kawakami on June 2nd, 2009 at 1:27 pm I’ll be adding the transcripts from group interviews with Terrence Williams and Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak (about the finals) in a bit… But thought I’d toss out a few fast general thoughts from today’s media availability after the pre-draft morning group mega-workout at the Warriors HQ today: * Don Nelson was conspiciously in attendance and milling around the execs from other teams, as he was at yesterday’s sessions. Nope, Nelson’s not sitting out this draft prep period. No chance. He’s the Warriors’ Kahuna. (The only other head coach at this workout was Mike Dunleavy, who doubles as the Clippers GM and coach.) Warriors GM Larry Riley was also on hand. Robert Rowell and Chris Cohan were watching from the upstairs vantage point. * Media wasn’t allowed to watch the workout, but Louisville swingman Terrence Williams displayed definite NBA personality in his group interview–funny, thoughtful answers and a healthy ego, which will play well in the league, I’m thinking. Williams called himself a “connect the dots” player, meaning he can do whatever it takes to make sure the other players’ strengths are emphasized. * The buzz is that Williams has a promise from a team sitting mid-round. The Warriors have interest in Williams at No. 7, so they only have to worry about a promise from a team behind them if it prevents Williams from wanting to work out for the GSWs. But Williams sounded very eager to land with the Warriors, mostly because of the style of play (and, I’d assume, getting drafted 7th vs. out of the top 10 means millions more dollars over the life of his rookie deal). His agent is Aaron Goodwin, though. And Goodwin and the Warriors front office have not had wonderful relations of late. (Err, that would be over Jamal Crawford’s handling by Nelson. The same Crawford who Williams counts as a friend. Wonder what Jamal might tell him about the Warriors’ situation?) * Other notable execs in attendance: Miami’s Pat Riley, Phoenix’s Steve Kerr, Portland’s Kevin Pritchard, Oklahoma City’s Sam Presti, New Jersey’s Kiki Vandeweghe.
Yeah, so? To me it just shows that Nellie respected Mullin's job. In the current situation, with an unproven (to us) GM in Riley, I'm fine with Nellie in the picture. Who cares what Jamal Crawford has to say to Williams. What overall affect is that going to have on the draft?
So, I'm predicting doom and gloom for the Warriors because Nelson is the GM. I want Nelson fans like you to take responsibility and admit that Nelson was the one when he fails miserably and falls on his fat face. In other words, don't palm it off on his stooge Larry Riley. Once Nelson retires, then it's on Larry Riley. Conversely, if Nelson should move up in the draft and get Ricky Rubio or makes a trade for Chris Bosh that most fans like, i.e. he doesn't give up our future, then he gets the credit and I'll eat crow.
Lol, ok. I'll gladly hop on Nellie's bandwagon on this one. I think history shows he'll probably wind up making a good pick. Even if its taking someone like Terrence Williams at 7 or trading down and everyone hates it at the time.
Great self description of himself. I'm pretty sure Nelson has major imput in any personnel moves. I think a coach should have input though because they know what the team needs. A good GM will listen and deliver.
Exactly. I'm sure every team in the NBA has input from the coach to the GM. All this "Nellie is behind everything!" is just conjecture and deserves to be put in the tabloid section of this forum. Maybe Kawakami can be the moderator.
Deal, guys. I'll be ready to fire up Don Nelsonus again next season. More likely, sooner than that. LOLOLOLOLOL.
