Spring Break
Warriors ready for season
Kris Anderson
Issue date: 10/3/06 Section: Sports
Following a season that saw the Golden State Warriors miss the playoffs for the 13th consecutive year, General Manager Chris Mullin brought back the second-winningest coach in the history of the NBA.
Don Nelson, who coached for the Warriors in the '90s, is known for an up-tempo style that focuses on scoring in transition, running the floor and uncorking the fastbreak early.
"The type of basketball we're going to play, I haven't played since I was young," said point guard Baron Davis.
Nelson commands respect everywhere he goes because of his track record, Davis said.
"When (Nelson) speaks, no one is talking," he said. "No one is looking at the floor or not paying attention. That just comes with his presence."
Sixth-year swingman Jason Richardson said he was excited to play in an offense that caters to high scoring guards.
Richardson underwent knee surgery in the summer, and while he said he isn't physically 100 percent yet, it won't take him long to get back into shape.
Nelson's focus on guard-play leaves questions regarding the roles of the big men on the roster, especially center Adonal Foyle, who carved out his niche in the NBA by blocking shots.
"I've been asked to play defense since I first came into the league," Foyle said. "This summer, I've been working on running, initiating the break, every aspect of the game."
Foyle worked on playing as far out as 15 feet, with hopes of bringing opposing centers out of the lane, and he said there are always areas he needs to improve upon.
Nelson asked his new team to enter training camp a few pounds lighter and in better shape in order to play that style of basketball, center Foyle said.
"I've lost 15 pounds and going," he said.
He said the team met for the first time with Nelson on Monday, discussed team rules and the like.
Along with bringing in a new face to fill the head coaching role, the Warriors brought in a player that, according to espn.com, scored 100 points in a High School game in New Jersey.
Don Nelson, who coached for the Warriors in the '90s, is known for an up-tempo style that focuses on scoring in transition, running the floor and uncorking the fastbreak early.
"The type of basketball we're going to play, I haven't played since I was young," said point guard Baron Davis.
Nelson commands respect everywhere he goes because of his track record, Davis said.
"When (Nelson) speaks, no one is talking," he said. "No one is looking at the floor or not paying attention. That just comes with his presence."
Sixth-year swingman Jason Richardson said he was excited to play in an offense that caters to high scoring guards.
Richardson underwent knee surgery in the summer, and while he said he isn't physically 100 percent yet, it won't take him long to get back into shape.
Nelson's focus on guard-play leaves questions regarding the roles of the big men on the roster, especially center Adonal Foyle, who carved out his niche in the NBA by blocking shots.
"I've been asked to play defense since I first came into the league," Foyle said. "This summer, I've been working on running, initiating the break, every aspect of the game."
Foyle worked on playing as far out as 15 feet, with hopes of bringing opposing centers out of the lane, and he said there are always areas he needs to improve upon.
Nelson asked his new team to enter training camp a few pounds lighter and in better shape in order to play that style of basketball, center Foyle said.
"I've lost 15 pounds and going," he said.
He said the team met for the first time with Nelson on Monday, discussed team rules and the like.
Along with bringing in a new face to fill the head coaching role, the Warriors brought in a player that, according to espn.com, scored 100 points in a High School game in New Jersey.
Be the first to comment on this story