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O.G. Broe's Profile
Friday, May 18, 2007
Everyone in the Warriors' organization seems to be taking their cue from coach Don Nelson these days. First, the 67-year-old says he might not be back next year. Then vice president Chris Mullin, who coaxed Nelson out of retirement to begin with, says his own time might be limited, too.
So, what gives?
"There's always a time for review, recharging," Mullin said Thursday. "I think everybody does that. I'm going to do that. ... It's smart to do that."
It's also smart to underplay the delicacy of the Warriors' resurgence, which is essentially what Mullin did in his wrap-up session with the media. Though Golden State turned in its winningest season in 13 years -- capped off by a historic upset of the Mavericks in the playoffs -- Mullin is in for an intriguing summer.
His hand-picked coach is considering retirement, a quarter of his rotation is up for free agency, and his franchise player wants a hefty contract extension.
He still needs a big-time big man and is still pushing the luxury tax, and any changes he makes threatens to disrupt the Warriors' well-documented team chemistry.
The third-year executive, though, isn't afraid to break up his core in the name of progress.
"I'm not really leery of anything," Mullin said. "Again, (we're) focusing on improving. If something presents itself ..."
Then expect him to burn up the phone lines.
"There's always a window of opportunity," Mullin added. "The key is to be prepared for it."
As the Warriors look to improve upon their breakout year, acquiring a rebounding big man is at the top of their wish list, especially after Utah exposed their flaws inside.
Mullin said it didn't matter if that came in the form of a proven veteran, a young player or a draft pick, as long as it's "somebody that goes and gets the ball." He also said that adding depth -- particularly at the guard positions -- will be looked into.
But one thing that won't be explored is trading Jason Richardson.
"No," Mullin said flatly. "We like Jason a lot. His growth, his potential is great ... and he's a huge part of our success."
With power players like Kevin Garnett and Jermaine O'Neal possibly being available this summer, however, the Warriors might be hard-pressed to make a deal without Richardson's salary and scoring ability in play.
Davis, despite his stirring postseason performance, doesn't figure to be movable with his max contract, nor does Stephen Jackson with pressing legal issues. That leaves Al Harrington and Adonal Foyle as the only other high-salaried players, and rising stars Monta Ellis and Andris Biedrins as the Warriors' biggest trade chips.
Here are five questions the Warriors must answer this summer:
-- Matt Barnes and/or Mickael Pietrus?
The forwards will test the free-agent market and it's highly doubtful that both will be back. Mullin likes Pietrus' upside and is likely to extend a qualifying offer of $3.5 million, after which he can match any offer Pietrus receives from other teams. Barnes is an unrestricted free agent, so he's headed for the highest bidder.
-- Time to lock in Baron?
Davis, who had plenty of MVP moments in the playoffs, is eligible for an extension of the six-year max deal he signed as a Hornet. Though it's questionable how many years the Warriors will want to commit to someone with Davis' injury history, Mullin said the two parties will address the issue.
"Obviously, Baron's a key for us," he said. "We all feel that. We all know that."
-- What to do with Sarunas Jasikevicius and Adonal Foyle?
The pair played themselves right out of Nelson's rotation, but the trick is moving them. Foyle has two years at $18.5 million left on his mega-deal, and Jasikevicius is on the books for another season at $4 million unless he unexpectedly opts out of his contract.
-- Are 7-footers Patrick O'Bryant and Kosta Perovic part of the future?
O'Bryant, last year's No. 1 pick, spent most of the season either on the bench or in the D-League. Mullin said the rookie "needs to physically catch up a bit," but believes he has a place in Nellieball.
Perovic, last year's second-round pick, just finished an impressive Euroleague season and Mullin will look into bringing him over for training camp this fall.
-- More looks for Zarko Cabarkapa, Kelenna Azubuike and Josh Powell?
The three are restricted free agents, and Cabarkapa is the least likely to return. He missed the entire year with a back injury, and though he's been doing some light shooting drills, is still some time away from NBA-caliber health.
Azubuike and Powell want to return. Both are likely headed for summer league and a training camp invite somewhere.
Briefly: The Warriors will open training camp Oct. 3 in Hawaii, where they will also play a pair of exhibition games against the Lakers. ... Before dispersing for vacation, players voted to distribute $130,000 worth of playoff shares among 10 members of the athletic training and support staff. ... Nelson dropped by the practice facility Thursday afternoon after a refreshing visit to the dentist. "They gave me the gas," Nelson said. "First time I've relaxed in eight months. It was great. I'm going back."
