Things are so bad with the Warriors that they can't even get through a practice without an altercation between Don Nelson and name-that-player.
This time, it's Nellie and Monta Ellis butting heads. The two got into a brief but heated exchange after the team practiced in New York in advance of playing the Knicks Friday night at Madison Square Garden.
The whole thing unfolded in plain view -- and apparently within earshot -- of beat writers Marcus Thompson II and Rusty Simmons. Their skilled, detailed accounts of the latest Golden State blowup can be found here and here.
The condensed version is as follows: Ellis and guard Acie Law were sitting on the bench after practice when Nellie walked by. Ellis, known to be at his wit's end over the Warriors' dysfunction and his ill-fated pairing with Stephen Curry, asked Nelson, "Coach, why do I get blamed for everything?"
"What have I ever blamed you for?" Nelson responded, and away they went. The exchange ended with Nelson waving his hands in disgust and Ellis saying, "See, that's why I don't do it. I just won't do it."
More Friday from shootaround at MSG, where the Warriors will see if they can walk through their game plan -- assuming they have one -- without another hissy fit.
Warriors in Chaos: Now it's Nellie vs. Monta
Posted on: November 12, 2009 5:36 pm
Score: 168
Comments
sportsguru10
Reputation: 7Level: Amateur Since: Nov 12, 2009 |
Posted on: November 12, 2009 8:16 pm
Score: 109
Why is he still coaching???Don Nelson is not a good coach. He has teams that are dysfunctional and can't win. They are offensive teams that don't play defense at all. Every team he has been with has always had problems. The Warriors are a team that has good young talent, but because of Nellie's big ego they won't make the playoffs. Larry Riley should fire Don Nelson before this whole team tanks and all the talent leaves. It's not a wonder why Nelson has never won a championship. He doesn't bring out the best in players and you cannot win a championship without playing defense, something the Warriors don't even attempt. They give up the most points in the league and their games are sloppy. Don Nelson should be fired and shouldn't ever be hired as a head coach again! |
joedude44
Reputation: 93Level: All-Star Since: Feb 27, 2009 |
Posted on: November 12, 2009 8:19 pm
Score: 124
Warriors in Chaos: Now it's Nellie vs. MontaAt this point, it's irrelevant who's to blame for the Warriors daily dysfunction. These million-dollar spoiled babies who are only where they are because they can shoot a basketball and fill the stands--not because they are grown men who know the value of team. Yes, the team seems to have lost any remaining respect for Don Nelson, but do they need to carry it out in front of reporters, or worse, run to reporters and tell them how mean Nellie is to them? |
WestwoodWarrior
Reputation: 14Level: Amateur Since: Nov 10, 2009 |
Posted on: November 12, 2009 11:08 pm
Score: 97
Warriors in Chaos: Now it's Nellie vs. MontaI really hope that Don Nelson is not blaming Monta Ellis for the team's struggles. Ellis seems to be the only conistent player on the team and is a 30 point, 10 assist threat on any given night. In my opinion, Monta Ellis is more automatic than Rip Hamilton in the mid-range game and is quicker off the dribble than Allen Iverson was in his prime. |
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WestwoodWarrior
Reputation: 14 Level: Amateur Since: Nov 10, 2009 |
Posted on: November 12, 2009 11:18 pm
Score: 104
Warriors in Chaos: Now it's Nellie vs. MontaI could not agree with you more. The Warriors, at least on paper, are one of the most talented teams in the NBA. They just need a coach that teaches structure (especially for the young guys; Morrow, Curry, Azubuike, and Randolph) and one that's willing to listen (especially for the veterans; Ellis, Biedrins, Jackson, Turiaf, and Maggette). Needless to say, coach (I use the word "coach" loosely) Don Nelson is just not getting the job done. This team seems to be in constant turmoil and does not play a lick of defense. The way the team plays out there on the court is a direct reflection of how careless Don Nelson's attitude is towards the game. They could shoot 55-60 percent from the field for a game and still lose, because of their matador defense and sloppy passing and ball handling. The Warriors need to stop acting like every game's a scrimmage, get their act together, and start playing as a cohesive unit without all of the distractions. |
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montsho11
Reputation: 92 Level: All-Star Since: Sep 4, 2007 |
Posted on: November 13, 2009 12:20 am
Score: 111
Warriors in Chaos: Now it's Nellie vs. MontaI cant believe that this is a story!!! This goes on all the time and Don Nelson is not the first or last coach that is going to get into it with one of his players. At the pro level you are coaching grown men not teenagers trying to make JV. Every NBA coach is going to get into it with a player at least 20 times during his career. I've heard way worse stuff at some NBA practices. |
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David0613
Reputation: 93 Level: All-Star Since: Mar 8, 2008 |
Posted on: November 13, 2009 2:23 am
Score: 102
Warriors in Chaos: Now it's Nellie vs. MontaIMO, Don Nelson is one of the best talent evaluators in the NBA...and one of the worst coaches. I don't mean to say that he doesn't know basketball well enough to be a great coach...I think he does. But his personality turns off too many players. They think they are unappreciated, and maybe they are. Coach Nelson doesn't seem to be able to co-exit with anyone for very long. |
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kenoja Level: Superstar Since: Jun 15, 2007 |
Posted on: November 13, 2009 2:45 am
Score: 106
Warriors in Chaos: Now it's Nellie vs. MontaIt is amazing that my favorite Celtic is still coaching in the NBA. |
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kac824 Level: Superstar Since: Feb 19, 2007 |
Posted on: November 13, 2009 10:17 am
Score: 127
Warriors in Chaos: Now it's Nellie vs. MontaNelson needs to go - the sooner the better...He has lost complete control of the team and I doubt that he even cares. Get rid of his fat ass and let him go to Maui and drink scotch, smoke cigars, and play cards. |
sportsdvl
Reputation: 98Level: Superstar Since: Aug 21, 2006 |
Posted on: November 13, 2009 12:00 pm
Score: 119
Warriors in Chaos: Now it's Nellie vs. MontaNellie has been a terrible coach at every place he's been hired. Why does he still have a job? |
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D-Pizzle1 Level: Superstar Since: Jun 25, 2007 |
Posted on: November 13, 2009 12:43 pm
Score: 132
Warriors in Chaos: Now it's Nellie vs. MontaDon Nelson not a good coach. I don’t know about that. Trying 1 losing season in the past 8. Try 13 50 win season. Try totally rejuvenating 4 franchises. True he has never won or made it to the final. Nor has he had the talent to do so. But he has won everywhere he went. And he has turned terrible franchises into respectable playoff contenders. Does anybody remember how terrible the Mavs were prior to Nellie or the Warriors the 1<sup>st</sup> time around. He’s had 1 bad season with Warriors (2 counting this one). Maybe the players have passed him by but the guy know basketball. Its not like he’s ever had a Kobe, MJ and even T-mac. He’s done the most with least. |
