Don Nelson's 'Youth Movement' Off To a Rough Start

Matt Watson noted Friday that Don Nelson planned on sitting a few healthy Warriors veterans in order to clear some minutes for the team's youngsters. Friday night's home game against the Bobcats constituted the first use of the tactic, with Jamal Crawford sitting down.

How'd it go? The Warriors lost by three. Crawford's replacement, second-year player C.J. Watson, shot poorly and turned the ball over three times. Fans have complained about the apparent tanking. And Crawford's agent, Aaron Goodwin, is not one bit pleased.

Janny Hu of the San Francisco Chronicle talked with Goodwin when the decision was made Thursday.

"What is the message that Nelson is sending to a young team? 'Don't play to win?' " Goodwin said. "What is the message he is sending to the fans who work hard to pay for Warriors tickets in order to see them win?"

"Jamal is not injured, and not only is he averaging 19 points per game, but he scored 50 points on the (Bobcats) for a win earlier this season."

Goodwin is clearly advocating on behalf of a client who will be on the market at some point. And Goodwin knows Crawford can light up the Bobcats, given that 50-point outburst earlier this season. (Maybe it's some sort of unleashed anger toward Larry Brown.)

Typically, I'd sympathize with Nellie's plan. The Warriors aren't making the playoffs. But in this particular instance, the benefit doesn't meet the risk. This isn't a rebuilding team -- half the roster is signed to big money for the next several years. I anticipate the roster will largely remain the same next season. Building on this, growing as a unit for next year -- that should be of utmost importance. Golden State isn't a team that can sit around and wait to add a few more lottery picks, not like Minnesota, Oklahoma City or Sacramento.

The Warriors are in the middle of a fairly light schedule, and this would be the best time to rack up some wins and confidence in an otherwise awful season. Sitting a healthy Crawford hurts the team's chances, and I dare say it won't make Jam feel any more warmth toward the franchise.