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Nellie signs deal worth $5.1 million to stay on
By David Zizmor March 11, 2008 |
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OAKLAND--The Golden State Warriors have extended head coach Don Nelson's welcome through the 2008-09 season with a contract worth up to $5.1 million. The Warriors were exercising an option after Nelson has lead the team to the team's best record in years the Warriors are currently 32-23. The Warriors had originally signed Nelson to a two year third year option. Nelson almost walked away from Golden State after the Warriors lost to Utah in the playoffs last season but came back this season and is having an impressive year. The Warriors are in third place in the NBA Pacific five games back of first place Los Angeles. The Warriors are also holding the last and final spot in the Western Conference for a playoff spot in eighth and holding that position just ahead of the Denver Nuggets. "We are extremely pleased with the job that Don has done this season, he's done a terrific job on building on last year's success and certainly has our team in position to challenge for another exciting post season journey." said team President Robert Rowell. Nelson has done many wonders this year for example he got Golden State to beat one of the toughest teams in the NBA the Boston Celtics at the Coliseum Arena in a close ball game that was decided by three points. The Warriors have had many successes on the road just recently beating Miami and Orlando in succession for the first time in team history. Last season Nelson led the Warriors to beating the number one seed Dallas Mavericks in the opening round of the playoffs after the team finished as the number eighth seed. The first round victory moved Golden State into the second round of the playoffs which Golden State who gave a valiant effort lost to the Utah Jazz. Nelson is 81-63 career in regular season wins as a Warriors head coach combined and this is his second stint at the position the last time the Warriors were in the playoffs before last year was when Nelson coached the team in 1995. Nelson ranks number two in all time NBA victories just behind Lenny Wilkins who has 1332 wins to Nelson's 1,272. David Zizmor covers Warriors basketball and co-hosts Sportstalk on 1690 KFSG Sacramento. |
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