I'm sure Monta Ellis could grab the snitch before Dirk does...
Cartoon was created by Gary Finkler: http://7thinningsketch.com/ 

Not much exciting basketball things to talk about with this work-stoppage lockout nonsense going on. But, I love the idea of Don Nelson making his triumphant return to coach... the Minnesota Timberwolves. Here are the top 6 fun things I can see happening if this were to actually go down:

1. Don Nelson reunites with Anthony Randolph - Nothing like resurrecting ones career by the guy who singlehandedly destroyed it the first go-round

2. Don Nelson reunited with Anthony Tolliver - This is more of a sub-plot but based on what Tolliver did in Nellie's offense, if I were him, I would be begging Mr. Kahn to pull the trigger on Nellie.

3. Michael Beasley, the poor man's Chris Weber meets the poor man's old version of a young Don Nelson - We all know how that relationship worked out in Golden State. At least Beasley is an easy-going, stay out of trouble sort of guy (please note the extreme sarcasm)

4. Ricky Rubio begins his career as a power forward - Come on, don't tell me Nellie isn't drooling over this guy's match-up potential

5. Kevin Love's production dips in half - Nellie somehow managed to make David Lee much less efficient, I'm sure he can do the same with KLove

6. Rookie Derrick Williams is relegated to the bench - Rookies historically have not flourished in the Nellie system. Sorry, DWill... you know I love you! Bear Down!

Come on, David Kahn... let's make this shortened NBA season a little more interesting. Bring back Nellie... bring back Nellie... bring back Nellie (that's a chant by the way - please join in if you'd like).  

The NBA lockout sucks. Thank you for reading my post.

As a Warriors fan, the NBA lockout super sucks (that means it really, really, really sucks). Has there been a time in recent memory when there was so much promise and potential for the Warriors? Maybe the season after the Dallas beat-down in the playoffs but the fans always knew that somehow Chris Cohan and Robert Rowell would screw it up... ding ding ding.

Now here we are, new owners, new coach, Jerry West. The Warriors are at the precipice of relevance. Then David Stern, the NBA owners and every other greedy hand forces a work stoppage of the game we all love.

Yes I know the NBA is a business. Yes I know the pundits have been preparing us for some time about this. But now here we are. We can talk about potential free agency signings (like Nene). We can't talk about how the rookies look and if Jeremy Tyler has a chance to garner some playing time. We can't talk about Las Vegas Summer League, one of my favorite NBA-related activities.

Here's what we can talk about: "remember when", "what if", and "I hope that".

Well, at least we have the NFL... oh wait! 

Congratulations to the Golden State Warriors, proud owners of a new, baby D-League franchise. 

Name: Dakota Wizards
Birthdate: June 29, 2011
Weight: 1,885 pounds (combined)

Now that the Dakota Wizards belong to the Golden State Warriors, the first question is, where will they ultimately live? The answer might be in the backyard of the San Jose Sharks. With a facility that already has presented basketball (NBA, NCAA), San Jose is already on a quest to have as many major league teams as will be allowed to come here... see Athletics, Oakland. There have been grumblings about the possibility of the Sacramento Kings moving here once their one-year reprise expires. But short term (or long term), why not experiment with a D-League basketball team.

Another interesting piece of information relevant to a possible San Jose move comes from the official press release: "Jim Weyermann, one of the most successful and respected business figures in minor league sports and current President of the San Jose Giants, has been named the Vice President of New Franchise Development for the Warriors and will oversee all operational aspects of the D-League team from a business standpoint, including a potential relocation to Northern California." 

Interestingly, I looked at their roster and noted a couple of intriguing names notably Javaris Crittendon from Georgia Tech, who I remember Nellie was a big fan of (oops, did that just drop his stock immediately)? They also have former Stanford guard, Anthony Goods and had former LSU center, Chris Johnson who played on the Celtics team last year.

Would San Jose embrace a minor league basketball team? I think it would and would need to in order to show a level of support for other possible teams, be it professional or minor league, in order to be a viable sports city beyond the Sharks.   

The picks are in. Klay Thompson definitely was not a surprise selection but certainly fills a need for a tall guard with scoring punch off the bench. Or will he be off the bench? If you look at the Warriors roster, it feels like a bit of a hodge-podge of players and talent. The one thing the Warriors squad that beat Dallas in the playoffs had was an identity first and then players that complemented and fit within that identity. Baron Davis, Stephen Jackson, Jason Richardson, Matt Barnes, Mikael Pietrus are examples of guys that fit within Nellie's 'small ball', gritty style of basketball.

I couldn't even tell you what the current stamp is on this Warriors team, which I think is the point and the problem I'm sure Warriors management has identified. Monta Ellis is a dynamic and exciting guard. But what role should he have? Does he even belong on this team? Andris Biedrins has regressed so far that perhaps a change of scenery for him is in order.

If defense is this team's new mission, then it is plainly obvious that the current players do not fit on this team. David Lee, Stephen Curry, and Monta Ellis are a lot of things, but defensively-minded is not one of them. If these three players are the core of your team, then you've got a large chasm developing between what you want your team to be and the players you have on your team to fulfill that mission.

What this tells me is that the Warriors team as we know it is likely to change. Monta Ellis and Andris Biedrins seem to be the most likely to change, although I can see David Lee shifting as well. It's just common sense - the Warriors can not win with the players they have now, no matter who is the coach. For them to succeed, there need to be major changes.

I think these changes are on the horizon.  

This is what I love most about the NBA Draft. Rumors are flying around like hot cakes - many of which involve the Warriors. Apparently, there are a few teams trying to get into the late lottery. Given that there are so many rumors out there, I thought I'd address the most recent ones that could have legs and provide my take on whether I'd be happy with the trade or not. Here goes:

Warriors trade the #11 pick to the Spurs for George Hill - I like George Hill a lot. He always plays tough and he averaged 11.8 points, 5 rebounds and 2.3 assists for the NBA's best Spurs. But he stands at 6'2" and I don't think it's enough of a draw for the Warriors to trade this pick. MY TAKE: I wouldn't do it!

Warriors trade Ekpe Udoh and the #11 pick to the Suns for the #13 pick and Robin Lopez - Robin Lopez is not an elite center. But he is a legit 7-foot center, one that the Warriors really need. We don't know what Ekpe Udoh can be but from what I've seen, he's a role player at best. Warriors need to get taller and dropping two spots would not be the worst thing. MY TAKE: I would not be disappointed if this went down

Warriors trade Monta Ellis to the 76ers for Andre Iguodala - This one has lost some steam but it was one of the hottest rumors for quite a while. I am a big fan of Monta Ellis but I'm also an Arizona guy and love Iggy. I think he fits in better with the Warriors than Monta does and certainly vastly improves the team with height and defense, two of the biggest missing pieces. Iggy is a potential triple-double every night. MY TAKE: Do it!

Warriors trade the #11 pick to the Pacers for Brandon Rush and #15 - Brandon Rush is a scrub. MY TAKE: I would be pissed if the Warriors made this trade.

Warriors trade the #11 pick to the Knicks for #17 and Toney Douglas - Toney Douglas isn't bad. Last year he averaged over 24 minutes a game, scoring 10.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists. Would be a solid back-up guard for the Warriors (who need one) although moving back to #17 is not ideal. MY TAKE: I would rather the Warriors pass on this one but I would not condemn the franchise if they pulled the trigger on it. 

I'm sure as tomorrow rolls on there will be more rumors swirling. And I will enjoy reading every single one! 

I heart the NBA Draft. I thought about getting that t-shirt but instead just carved it into a tree in my backyard. What's not to love. All we have right now is baseball and NFL lockout talks dominating the sporting world. But with the NBA Draft, we get endless rumors, crazy hype, mock drafts galore, and the 'what if' top prospect x falls to the Warriors. I know top prospect x never falls to the Warriors but dreams and fantasies are what drive sports fans every day.  

Now in the case of this draft, there really aren't that many top prospects - probably less than 5 so there is really no chance the Warriors land one of them, unless they make a trade or one of the top prospects comes down with some kind of crazy injury or contagious disease.

So what is realistic to expect for the Warriors this year in the draft? And who do we really want? We must look closely and try not to repeat past mistakes. According to the 'mock drafts', the players most commonly linked to the Warriors are:

Klay Thompson - the Washington State sharpshooter apparently has been killing in the workouts and is moving steadily up the charts. I saw on nbadraft.com that his NBA comparison is Marco Belinelli and threw up a little bit in my mouth.

Marcus Morris - the supposed Brook Lopez of the Morris Twins, Marcus Morris is more offensively skilled but projects as a small forward/power forward and his NBA comparison is... wait for it... Al Harrington [insert joke here].

Jan Vesely - the Czech Republic small forward/power forward is one of 2-3 Euros who project to go in the lottery. He may not make it to #11 but Warriors fans might be ok with that because his NBA comparison is none other than Warrior super-bust Mike Dunleavy Jr, perhaps the softest player I have ever seen - which is why I call him 'soft serve'. 

So there you have it, Warriors fans - some of the prospects linked to the Warriors actually are Warriors in new bodies. Can't put a whole lot of stock into it, though but wouldn't be terrible to root for the Warriors taking someone who actually draws comparisons with good former Warriors like Kemba Walker who nbadraft.com compares to Tim Hardaway. Now that is a comparison I could deal with!

Bring on Thursday! 

Congratulations to the NBA champ Dallas Mavericks - I am really impressed with how they performed throughout the playoffs and especially the finals against the Heat. What struck me as it relates to the Warriors was just how deep the Dallas Mavericks team was. Up and down their roster, they had quality players who found time on the court - which is something the Warriors simply have not had. But as the cameras panned on the winners and losers, I couldn't help being happy for some and relishing in the misfortune of others. 

First, the "Congratulations Fellaz" list:
Jason Terry - JT went to the University of Arizona all four years that I did. The guy is a legend in Tucson and now in Dallas. Couldn't be happier for Terry and for UofA (Bear Down!!). Incidentally the Warriors drafted Jason Terry and traded his rights to the Hawks for Mookie Blaylock... OOPS!!

Brian Cardinal - Yes, I have a Brian Cardinal Warriors jersey. Yes I wear it and yes, I have great respect for balding white guys who hustle

Jason Kidd - Cal product, local guy, never complains just plays. Very happy for him that he is finally an NBA champ!

Dirk Nowitzki - As much as I loved Dirk choking against the Warriors in the playoffs (probably the greatest upset/ series I've ever seen), I'm glad that he is an NBA champ. He deserved it and his game has really transformed from 7-foot freak of nature shooter to all around player. I love how he abused Chris Bosh night in and night out


Now, the "Eat It Sucka" list:
The Big 3 (LeBron, Wade, Bosh)
- They've taken a lot of heat (no pun intended) for their lackluster play in the finals... and rightfully so. They risked having no supporting talent so they could play together and in the end it was their undoing. Ha ha, eat it suckas!

Erick Dampier - Guy was a punk on the Warriors and a total scrub. Would have been ridiculous if he won a ring. Glad he didn't!

Eddie House - Wanna be tough guy from Arizona State. Was annoying to look at. 'Nuff said

Juwon Howard - First off, I can't believe Howard is still in the league. I hated how the Heat used him, just to commit hard fouls and yell off the bench. Time to retire, Juwon... please!

I have been pretty vocal about my displeasure with Mark Jackson being named head coach of the Golden State Warriors. And with good reason - the guy has never coached before. Ever. 

But, I also like to keep an open mind (mostly) so I have been very interested in reading and hearing from "experts" and those in the know about the hire.

Add to the fact that the Warriors hired New Orleans top assistant Mike Malone, and the conversation changes as well. As it relates to Malone, I have yet to read or hear any inkling of negativity around this hire. Malone is considered one of the fast rising coaching stars and the Warriors even looked at him as a head coaching candidate. Apparently he brings the X's and O's to the team, while Jackson can focus on developing talent, overall strategy and locker room presence.

Bringing us to Jackson, again my stance has softened a bit after reading and hearing lots about the hire. While some consider the selection of Jackson a bit of a risk (yes, I do agree), it is interesting to hear former players like Reggie Miller endorse the hire on Twitter saying "Great day to be a Golden St Warrior fan, my good friend Mark Jackson is taking over the reigns as Head Coach. Fasten your seat belt people!!" In addition, current players in the NBA like LeBron James and Dwayne Wade are congratulating Mark Jackson and the Warriors on the hire.

In addition, here's what Kevin Durant said on Twitter, "I'm so happy Mark Jackson got the Golden St job! Well deserved and I know he's gonna do great, hopefully not against the Thunder lol"

Former Warrior, Baron Davis had this reaction, "Big move for the #DUBS... I love Mark Jackson he is like a big bro to me and a mentor. Alltime great pgs. Congrats on the new position..."

I guess you've got to look at the Mark Jackson hire as a bit of a package deal with Mike Malone and based on the initial feedback and reaction from the basketball community, it feels like there is a ton of support for Jackson.

The jury is DEFINITELY still out for me but I like the bold playoff prediction and I'm eagerly anticipating what moves come next; i.e. Monta Ellis trade, etc.

One thing is for sure... the Warriors are not boring right now (or ever).  

Apparently 'relevant experience' is not important on a resume, as NBA vet Mark Jackson was named head coach of the Golden State Warriors. 

Jackson has 17 years experience as a player and the exact same number of years experience as a head coach as me... zero. That's right, he has never coached before, not even in high school. Jackson has been a broadcaster with another head coaching target of the Warriors, Jeff Van Gundy. 

The one glaring positive for Mark Jackson is that he played for a year on St. John's with former Warrior, Chris Mullin. Other than that, I'm really not sure what makes this guy a candidate to be a head coach. Hopefully the Warriors surround him with some of the greatest coaching minds in the business as assistants because this will be very interesting.

It's a little bit like the San Francisco 49ers hiring Jim Harbaugh who had no previous NFL coaching experience except did I mention that Mark Jackson has no coaching experience at all.

If Mark Jackson fails, it will be an epic blow to new owners Joe Lacob and Peter Guber, who seem to be keen on going for a home run here as opposed to a solid choice.

Very bizarre selection in my mind. This does give me some hope to apply for the CEO of Google position I've been eyeing and since I talk about Google, according to the Warriors, I have enough 'experience'.

Well, welcome to Oak-town Mr. Jackson. You had best introduce yourself to your two 6-feet shooting guards who also play point guard, Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry. I am very interested to see how he fares.