KingKong
Starter
Nelson laments missed chance to coach Kings
By Sam Amick - Bee Staff Writer
Published 12:00 am PST Thursday, November 16, 2006
Don Nelson is happy, back with the Golden State Warriors and back to running his small-ball style down by the bay.
But of late, the Warriors' coach repeatedly has made it known that he was interested in the Kings' head-coaching position that was given to Eric Musselman. The Kings' roster, Nelson said to the Bay Area media Tuesday, had everything to do with his interest, but he never received a phone call.
"I really like (the Kings)," said Nelson, who entered the season second all-time in wins, with 1,190. "I think they're as good as anybody in the West. I think the (Kevin) Martin kid has given them four All-Star players, really. Once (injured Kings center Brad) Miller gets back, I can't see anybody that's better than they are."
Nelson and Kings co-owners Joe and Gavin Maloof had worked together in another forum, teaming up for a basketball-related series on HBO that involved the Maloofs' production company and starred Nelson as a coach. Gavin Maloof said Nelson's reputation as an offensive-minded coach factored into the decision not to call him.
"He's a great coach, but maybe in the back of our mind, we wanted someone a little more defensive-oriented," he said. "I don't know. He's a great coach. He crossed our minds."
Salmons still hurting -- Swingman John Salmons did not play Wednesday because of a right thigh contusion, and he said he might not play tonight against Golden State, either. He has been receiving ice and heat treatment and using a muscle-stimulation machine.
"I can't explode on it because it's tight," Salmons said. "It's better, painwise, but it's still tight."
Where'd Ron go? -- Kings small forward Ron Artest did not start against Memphis, with back spasms forcing him to return to the Kings' locker room.
Minutes into play, Artest came back to the Kings' bench, only to return to the locker room while swingman Francisco García took his place. Artest reappeared shortly thereafter, while riding an exercise bike in the tunnel leading to the floor.
It made for a comical scene, with a sweaty Artest pumping his legs near Kings president of basketball operations Geoff Petrie, who looked cool and collected as always. Artest finally entered play with 5:32 remaining in the first quarter.
All Pau -- Memphis is in serious offensive trouble without injured forward Pau Gasól (broken foot).
The Grizzlies are one of just two teams in the league that don't have a player ranked in the top 40 in scoring. Small forward Mike Miller entered Wednesday averaging 16.3 points, just outside the top 50.
http://www.sacbee.com/351/story/77983.html
By Sam Amick - Bee Staff Writer
Published 12:00 am PST Thursday, November 16, 2006
Don Nelson is happy, back with the Golden State Warriors and back to running his small-ball style down by the bay.
But of late, the Warriors' coach repeatedly has made it known that he was interested in the Kings' head-coaching position that was given to Eric Musselman. The Kings' roster, Nelson said to the Bay Area media Tuesday, had everything to do with his interest, but he never received a phone call.
"I really like (the Kings)," said Nelson, who entered the season second all-time in wins, with 1,190. "I think they're as good as anybody in the West. I think the (Kevin) Martin kid has given them four All-Star players, really. Once (injured Kings center Brad) Miller gets back, I can't see anybody that's better than they are."
Nelson and Kings co-owners Joe and Gavin Maloof had worked together in another forum, teaming up for a basketball-related series on HBO that involved the Maloofs' production company and starred Nelson as a coach. Gavin Maloof said Nelson's reputation as an offensive-minded coach factored into the decision not to call him.
"He's a great coach, but maybe in the back of our mind, we wanted someone a little more defensive-oriented," he said. "I don't know. He's a great coach. He crossed our minds."
Salmons still hurting -- Swingman John Salmons did not play Wednesday because of a right thigh contusion, and he said he might not play tonight against Golden State, either. He has been receiving ice and heat treatment and using a muscle-stimulation machine.
"I can't explode on it because it's tight," Salmons said. "It's better, painwise, but it's still tight."
Where'd Ron go? -- Kings small forward Ron Artest did not start against Memphis, with back spasms forcing him to return to the Kings' locker room.
Minutes into play, Artest came back to the Kings' bench, only to return to the locker room while swingman Francisco García took his place. Artest reappeared shortly thereafter, while riding an exercise bike in the tunnel leading to the floor.
It made for a comical scene, with a sweaty Artest pumping his legs near Kings president of basketball operations Geoff Petrie, who looked cool and collected as always. Artest finally entered play with 5:32 remaining in the first quarter.
All Pau -- Memphis is in serious offensive trouble without injured forward Pau Gasól (broken foot).
The Grizzlies are one of just two teams in the league that don't have a player ranked in the top 40 in scoring. Small forward Mike Miller entered Wednesday averaging 16.3 points, just outside the top 50.
http://www.sacbee.com/351/story/77983.html
