Nelson Offers to Work for Free

Finally, the Stephen Jackson elephant in the room was addressed for real. Don Nelson removed the puppet from his hand, Larry Riley, and stepped up to the microphone at a pre-training camp news conference.

Nelson threw out some bones for a Warriors nation starving for something to chew on. The crafty 69 year old Nelson started off by offering to work the 2011-12 season for free, doing whatever job necessary, as a token of gratitude for the generous contract extension granted October 2008. As Tim Kawakami pointed out, this is a ploy for Nelson to get his old paws back in when the Warriors actually have a shot at getting to the playoffs. I think it's a distraction from the Stephen Jackson mess.

Speaking of Jackson, Nelson said he is not upset with Jack, but understands it's difficult to be a veteran on a rebuilding team. Nelson also stated he will try to accommodate Jackson if the Warriors can find a fair trade. If not, Jackson will still be a team captain (A captain that would dive off a ship at the first sight of a glacier).

Nelson also led some to believe rookie, Stephen Curry, will be a starter this season. That would be a good move.

Should anyone who follows the Warriors feel better? No, but at least they (Puppet Master Nelson) addressed the issues. Until Friday, I pictured Larry Riley, Robert Rowell, and Chris Cohan all sitting under their desks, rocking back and forth in the fetal position, with their hands covering their ears.

No need to worry anymore, kids. Daddy Nelson is back from the bar and ready to run this Warriors circus another season.