Destroying A Franchise 101: The Golden State Warriors

Lesson No. 1: Leggo my ego (Latin for: Hire egomaniacs ) The Warriors are a prime example of how you handle egos when you want your franchise to implode: Don Nelson : There is no bigger ego in basketball than Don Neslon. His teams tend to play a very exciting brand of basketball that draws ticket sales. However, ticket sales are not what Nelson is about. Two words define Nelson's coaching: "Small ball." He would be the first to say that he invented it and the last to say that it doesn't work. Robert Rowell : All great egomaniacs have an equally egotistical sidekick. In this case, Don Nelson has Robert Rowell. Sure, Rowell may outrank Nelson within the organization, but it is clear who is running the show. Nelson may say all the right things in front of the camera..."I wanted Baron to stay," "Chris Mullin and I are friends," "I enjoy coaching a young team,"...but behind the scenes, he uses Rowell's veto power to shoot down all attempts at changing the direction of the franchise. Lesson No. ... (link)