OAKLAND, Calif. -- Warriors coach Don Nelson's got two more years remaining on his contract, and there are some skeptics who don't think he'll make it that long.But Nelson, apparently, wants to be with the Warriors longer than that. And he says he's willing to do it for free.
Nelson said on Friday afternoon that he's made an offer to Warriors president Robert Rowell that he will work for free for the Warriors in 2011-12, in whatever capacity the Warriors decide, as a way of giving back to the organization he's worked for two different times during the course of his career.
"I told Bobby a week ago that after this contract is up, I would like to give the Warriors one more year," Nelson said. "It will cost the team nothing. Whatever they want me to do, for one more year, and not take a salary. Whatever it is. If it's coaching, I'd do that. Carrying bags, whatever. But I would give them one year at the end of this to say 'Thanks.' I appreciate that extension they gave me. They didn't have to do that."
Nelson and the Warriors were at odds last season over a contract extension, but Nelson eventually secured a two-year deal worth $12 million -- for this year and 2010-11.
Nelson, who needs 24 more wins to surpass Lenny Wilkens as the all-time winningest NBA coach, said he had been thinking this summer of making this kind of gesture.
"This is something I've wanted to do," Nelson said. "The league's been good to me. It's made me a wealthy man. As it turns out, I'm going to be here (Golden State) longer than any place else (either Milwaukee or Dallas)."Nelson acknowledged that Rowell didn't respond whether or not he'd take the coach up on his offer.
"I think he was in shock," Nelson said. "He didn't speak. I don't think he's heard that one before."
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Comments (Page 1 of 1)
I can't count. How many vowels are in "empty gesture?"
well why don't you learn to count before some one gives you the answer to your question...lol
LOL, good one!
Stand Up Guy.
The warriors r never going to win a championship with Nelson as the coach he should work for free this year 2.
How about cleaning s h i t in the arena toilets? Will he do that?
I think the league needs more guys like that. Doing it for the love of the game, kinda refreshing.
nellie had lots of praise when they beat dallas, then all of a sudden he's the reason for losing... give the guy a break, especially if its not gonna cost to keep him around for another year. anyway, warriors have a lot of talent, and IMO nellie's system fits. warriors have ALWAYS been underdogs and even though they'll probably miss the playoffs, you can expect some awesome upsets this year.
The difference for Nels from the upset of Dallas to last season is Baron Davis played out his contract and went home to LA. Athletes win games, lack of athletes loses games. If coaches go on the court, it is a technical foul. The winningest coach, Len Wilkens, had a 1,315/1,133; 53.7% record. Barely won more than he lost. Nelson will pass him this season, but with not a lot better %, second best coach now in total wins, and folks are still claiming he`s the problem? He`s just not the solution, athletes are the solution. Percentage is a better indication of shoting/defense/scoring, than raw points, which show tempo, and percentage is a better indicator of quality team production for coaches, too. Jackson has the best % of the winngest coaches, Auerbach not much ahead of Riley, for 2nd and third. Adelman, Sloan, Daly come in 4th thru 6th.