RealGM Basketball Wiretap

Mark Jackson Hasn't Begun Extension Talks With Warriors

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:34:42 EDT

Mark Jackson and the Golden State Warriors have not begun discussing a contract extension.

Jackson signed a three-year deal with a team option for the fourth with the Warriors during the 2011 offseason meaning he is without a deal past the upcoming 13-14 season.

"No. And my feelings are, that’ll take care of itself. I don’t get caught up in it. It will truly take care of itself.

"I’m thrilled to have a job and to coach this group of guys…  and with great ownership, a great front office and fan base. It’ll play itself out."

Jackson was also asked if he can take credit for the Brooklyn Nets' decision to hire Jason Kidd without any previous coaching experience.

"No," said Jackson "I think at the end of the day Jason Kidd is an all-time great player who I’ve got a lot of respect for.

"I’ve talked to him often. He reached out and thanked me and we’ve had great dialogue. I just think he’s going to do very well. I’m happy for him. I think it was a great hire for the Nets.

"That being said, I think it’s now up to Jason to open the door for the next guy to prove that the naysayers are wrong.

Jerry West Refutes Notion Of Advising Kings

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 12:19:08 EDT

Jerry West is refuting the notion that he is advising the Sacramento Kings in their search for a new general manager.

West is a highly paid advisor to the Golden State Warriors, the team that Vivek Ranadive previously co-owned.

"For some reason, I've gotten two or three calls from people (wanting the job) saying that (they) want to get in front of him and could you help, and I think it's ludicrous," West said. "I sent back to them and said that in no way, shape or form am I advising him – period. I believe that if you make an obligation to someone … and my obligation is always to (Warriors owner) Joe (Lacob) and the rest of the Warriors organization, and I have no interest in helping anyone, OK? Anyone except if I can help the Warriors obviously."

West says he is endorsing Travis Schlenk, current assistant general manager of the Warriors.

Chris Wallace is a leading candidate for the position, who worked for West with the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Kings have already hired Mike Malone, who was most recently an assistant coach with the Warriors.

"Chris Wallace is from West Virginia (like West), but listen, I have nothing to do with anything going on up (in Sacramento)," West said. "This is very, very annoying. It is annoying. Whoever Vivek hires, he's got to feel good about that person, and I'm not there (with the Kings)."

Ranadive Selling 7 Percent Share Of Warriors

Fri, 31 May 2013 13:13:50 EDT

Vivek Ranadive is in the process of selling his shares of the Golden State Warriors now that he has assumed ownership of the Sacramento Kings.

Ranadive reportedly invested $30 million when the Joe Lacob-led ownership group purchased the Warriors in 2010 for $425 million.

Lacob and Peter Guber each invested $50 million, while Lacob's ex-wife's trust invested $75 million.

Erika Glazer and Bob Piccinini each invested $25 million, while a group of smaller investors were pooled together at $20 million.

The group also ran debt to the NBA at $150 million.

Stephen Curry Envisions Staying With Warriors For Duration Of Career

Thu, 30 May 2013 22:20:22 EDT

Stephen Curry sees himself staying with the Golden State Warriors long-term.

Four years ago, Curry was disappointed that he wasn’t drafted by the Knicks; now he worries that moving to a new arena will alter the makeup of the Warriors’ notoriously rowdy fan base.

"No offense to New York, but I'm so, so happy I didn't fall to them in the draft," Curry said. "No matter what they do with the new arena, they better not change the dynamics of the fan base. If we have the same fans, in this new place … man, I'd want to play here forever. Wouldn't you?"

Curry is overwhelmed by the support he's received since leading the Warriors to the second round.

"You wanna know how much this place loves their Warriors?" Curry said. "We made it to the conference semifinals and they gave me a freaking key to the city. The key to the city! For the semis! If we'd have won the title, they'd have put a statue of coach Jackson on top of the bridge."

Kings Hire Mike Malone On Four-Year Deal

Thu, 30 May 2013 21:59:37 EDT

Mike Malone has agreed to a four-year deal to become the next head coach of the Sacramento Kings, according to sources. The deal is worth more than $9 million with a team option for the fourth year.

Malone was an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors over the past two seasons.

Malone has been an NBA assistant coach since the 03-04 season and also had stops with the Cleveland Cavaliers and New Orleans Hornets.

The Kings have yet to hire a general manager.

Richard Jefferson Opts Into $11M Contract For 13-14

Wed, 29 May 2013 14:37:52 EDT

Richard Jefferson has opted into the final season of his contract with the Golden State Warriors, which was expected and is worth $11 million.

“Richard has exercised his option to include the 2013-14 season in his current contract,” agent Todd Eley said.

Jefferson signed a four-year, $38 million contract with the San Antonio Spurs in 2010.

21 NBA Teams To Compete In 2013 Vegas Summer League

Wed, 29 May 2013 13:52:37 EDT

The 2013 Vegas Summer League will be comprised of 22 teams and run from July 12 to July 22.

Atlanta Hawks (2010-12)
Charlotte Bobcats (2008, 2012)
Chicago Bulls (2005, 2009-12)
Cleveland Cavaliers (2004-12)
Dallas Mavericks (2005-12)
Denver Nuggets (2004-12)
Golden State Warriors (2005-12)
L.A. Clippers (2005-12)
L.A. Lakers (2007-12)
Memphis Grizzlies (2007-12)
Miami Heat (2010-12)
Milwaukee Bucks (2007-12)
Minnesota Timberwolves (2006-12)
NBA D-League Select (2009-12)
New Orleans Pelicans (2005-12)
New York Knicks (2005-12)
Phoenix Suns (2004-12)
Portland Trail Blazers (2005-12)
Sacramento Kings (2005-12)
San Antonio Spurs (2007-12)
Toronto Raptors (2008-12)
Washington Wizards (2004-12)

Biedrins Will Exercise Player Option, Remain With Warriors

Fri, 24 May 2013 12:17:30 EDT

Andris Biedrins will exercise his $9 million player option for the 2013-14 season, according to his agent, Bill Duffy.

"He will not opt out," Duffy confirmed.

The Warriors signed Biedrins to a reported six-year, $54 million contract in the summer of 2008.

Mavericks Interested In Jarrett Jack, Bayless

Thu, 23 May 2013 12:58:59 EDT

The Dallas Mavericks are expected to pursue Jarrett Jack and Jerryd Bayless, according to a source.

The Mavericks will first pursue Dwight Howard and Chris Paul, but both are considered relative longshots.

Both Jack and Bayless have been key reserves during the playoffs for the Warriors and Grizzlies, respectively.

Landry Wants To Return To Warriors, Hasn't Decided Whether To Opt Out

Thu, 23 May 2013 12:03:17 EDT

Carl Landry wants to return to the Golden State Warriors, but doesn't know how he’s going to proceed regarding his player option worth $4 million for next season.

"The Warriors are home whether I opt in or out," Landry said. "Hopefully, I can spend the rest of my career here because this is a very special place. Everything here is what you want: the city, the fans, the front office, the coach, the teammates. You can’t ask for anything more."

Landry called it the hardest decision of his career.

"I mean, this is the best team I’ve ever played for on this level, especially as far as chemistry," Landry said. "And the scary thing is we’ve been together one year."

Source: Howard Also Considering Warriors

Thu, 23 May 2013 10:49:25 EDT

Dwight Howard is considering signing with the Golden State Warriors as well as the previously reported Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks and Atlanta Hawks, a source close to the player said Thursday.

According to the source, Howard's main concern involves "what team he feels has the best chance to win championships, has the best team and system around him."

Howard can't officially sign with a team until July 10, when a moratorium on NBA business is lifted.

Warriors Willing To Pay Tax Next Season, No Longer Searching For Blockbuster Move

Mon, 20 May 2013 19:28:18 EDT

The Golden State Warriors have never paid the luxury tax, but their strong showing in the 2013 NBA Playoffs further confirms the new ownership's willingness to consider it.

"When you start from a place of winning, you may venture into the tax if it does help you win and it’s worth it," said Bob Myers. "But you have to be smart about it, you have to be prudent about it.

"But we’ve shown last year–I can tell you, it was a decision we made with Carl Landry, with his signing, and re-acquiring Brandon Rush. Do we want to go into the tax? And the dialogue our front office had with our ownership was, 'Are you comfortable going into the tax? And we cannot promise that we’ll be able to get out of the tax.'

"And ownership answered in the affirmative. “Go, if you think Cal Landry and Brandon Rush are going to be important to this team, go get ‘em.”

"I imagine it’ll be the same directive this summer."

The Warriors also have appeared to move beyond the desire to make a major franchise altering move. Golden State pursued a trade for Chris Paul in December of 2011.

"I think a sense desperation has passed," said Myers.

"I think that–whereas when you’re trying to do anything to get over the hump you do sometimes chase things that may be difficult to acquire. Whereas now, doesn’t mean we’re satisfied, it doesn’t mean we think our work is through, but we can be prudent and patient with opportunities as they come along."

Harrison Barnes Enjoyed Playing Small Ball Power Forward

Fri, 17 May 2013 19:56:16 EDT

Due to the injury to David Lee, the Golden State Warriors were forced to be inventive and play Harrison Barnes minutes at power forward.

Many in the media had proposed that Barnes play as the Warriors' small ball power forward previously in the season in order to space the floor due to their lack of playmakers able to get to the basket off the dribble.

"It was fun to kind of play that style," said Barnes. "We’d never really done that before this season. Really, I’d never really played that at Carolina. I’ve always been so accustomed to having two bigs, especially fixtures on the block.

"So just to be able to play that spread out basketball, kind of drive and kick… it was fun to have four people who could handle the ball, just get out on the break, we all had different mis-matches. It was exciting."

Source: Warriors Believe Purchasing Draft Pick An Option

Fri, 17 May 2013 12:06:03 EDT

The Golden State Warriors believe they can purchase a first or second round pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, according to a source.

The Warriors' first round pick belongs to the Utah Jazz.

The Warriors acquired an extra first round pick last season from the San Antonio Spurs by taking on the salary of Richard Jefferson. Golden State selected Festus Ezeli with the pick.

Lillard, Davis, Beal, Waiters, Barnes On 2013 All-Rookie First Team

Tue, 14 May 2013 14:39:00 EDT

Damian Lillard headlines the 2013 NBA All-Rookie Team as a unanimous selection.

Bradley Beal, Anthony Davis, Dion Waiters and Harrison Barnes joined Lillard on the All-Rookie First Team.

On the All-Rookie Second Team is Andre Drummond, Jonas Valanciunas, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kyle Singler and Tyler Zeller.

Curry Underwent Anti-Inflammatory Injection Before Game 4

Sun, 12 May 2013 20:02:12 EDT

Stephen Curry received an anti-inflammatory injection in his ankle before Game 4. 

Curry played 39 minutes in the Golden State Warriors' 97-87 overtime win over the San Antonio Spurs.

Curry re-injured his ankle in Game 3.

Stephen Curry Considered Game-Time Decision For Game 4

Sat, 11 May 2013 21:31:28 EDT

Stephen Curry is a game-time decision for Sunday’s Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals, due to a sprained left ankle.

Curry is receiving around-the-clock on treatment on his sprained ankle, which he tweaked with less than five minutes remaining in Game 3.

"He'll play," Klay Thompson said. "No question about it. He will play through anything. He's got heart."

Danny Green, Spurs Treating Curry Like 'Mini Kevin Durant'

Sat, 11 May 2013 11:30:07 EDT

Danny Green has held Stephen Curry to 1-of-15 shooting in Games 2 and 3 of the San Antonio Spurs’ second-round series against Golden State.

"It's a great (challenge) man," Green said. "We treat him like a mini Kevin Durant. Obviously he's not as tall or as lethal attacking the rim, but he can finish, has floaters, has all types of stuff, a quick trigger. He's a scorer – a true scorer.

"He's one of the best scorers we have in the league now. And for me to be able to guard him that tough – they have me guarding him and telling me to step up to this challenge – is big for me. I'm defending the way they tell me to defend him. You know, long story short, just stay connected to him. Stay in his airspace and try to make him uncomfortable."

Curry is a combined 12-of-37 over his last two games.

Mark Jackson: Trading Monta Ellis Helped Change Warriors' Culture

Thu, 09 May 2013 18:20:21 EDT

Mark Jackson was asked on Thursday how the Golden State Warriors' trade of Monta Ellis for Andrew Bogut, which created more opportunities for Klay Thompson.

“It helped change the culture," said Jackson. :Obviously it was easier to pull the trigger because we knew what we had in Klay and it was time for him to be a starting two-guard. And he does everything right.” 

Jackson was asked for anything specific in how the trade helped change the culture.

"You know," said Jackson.

Jackson called Ellis the third best shooting guard in the NBA when he was hired.

Klay Thompson 'Felt Like Steph' During Game 2

Thu, 09 May 2013 17:48:13 EDT

Klay Thompson had 34 points and 14 rebounds in the Golden State Warriors' 100-91 win over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 2 on Wednesday.

Thompson had 29 points while shooting 7-for-8 on three-pointers in the first half.

"I felt like Steph Curry out there," said Thompson on Thursday.

"We're in the driver's seat right now. We control our own destiny. I feel like this is our time."

Teams Had Won 392 Straight Games Up By 16 With Less Than Four Minutes Left Before Warriors' Collapse

Tue, 07 May 2013 13:28:25 EDT

The Golden State Warriors had 16-point lead with less than four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter of Game 1, but the San Antonio Spurs went on an 18-2 run to force the game into overtime. 

The Spurs eventually won the game in double-overtime on a Manu Ginobili three-pointer.

Teams up by 16 points at the four-minute mark had won 392 consecutive games.

Jarrett Jack Shut Down Extension Talks, Wants To Experience Free Agency

Fri, 03 May 2013 11:10:05 EDT

Jarrett Jack shut down contract extension talks with the Golden State Warriors back in January.

Jack will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season.

Playing in the final year of his contract, Jack averaged 12.9 points and 5.6 assists and finished third in the Sixth Man of the Year voting.

Jack has upped his production in the postseason, averaging 18.8 points and 7.0 assists, including 52.6 percent shooting from the field and 90.6 percent shooting from the free throw line, all higher than his regular season averages.

David Lee Active For Game 6 Despite Torn Hip Flexor

Thu, 02 May 2013 22:41:38 EDT

David Lee is active for the Golden State Warriors in Game 6 against the Denver nuggets.

A source tells CBS Sports' Jeff Goodman that he could play 8-10 minutes.

Lee tore his hip flexor in Game 1 and was ruled out for the season.

The Warriors are 3-1 without Lee in the lineup in the playoffs.

Mark Jackson Fined $25,000 By NBA

Thu, 02 May 2013 19:43:44 EDT

Mark Jackson has been fined $25,000 for making public comments in an attempt to influence the officiating.

Jackson said that the Denver Nuggets sent 'hit men' to rough up Stephen Curry.

76ers To Interview Mike Malone, Hornacek

Thu, 02 May 2013 10:35:16 EDT

The Philadelphia 76ers will interview Mike Malone and Jeff Hornacek for their head coaching vacancy, according to sources.

Malone is currently an assistant with the Golden State Warriors, while Hornacek is an assistant with the Utah Jazz.

Malone has been a candidate for several NBA head coaching jobs and is currently the top-paid assistant in the league.

The 76ers are also strongly considering Brian Shaw and would be interested in Lionel Hollins should he become available.

David Lee To Wait One More Week Before Making Decision On Surgery

Wed, 01 May 2013 22:05:25 EDT

David Lee could still undergo surgery to repair his torn hip flexor, according to a source.

Lee will wait one more week to see an additional specialist before making a determination.

Lee injured his hip in Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs.

Warriors, Nuggets Accuse Each Other Of 'Dirty Plays'

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 23:21:50 EDT

Mark Jackson accused the Denver Nuggets of taking cheap shots at Stephen Curry during the Golden State Warriors' loss in Game 5.

Jackson said that Denver people warned him of what would take place with "inside info".

"They tried to send hit men on Steph," said Jackson. "It wasn't magic, they outplayed us."

Curry agreed that he seemed targeted by the Nuggets.

Kenneth Faried responded to accusations from Jackson with a similar sentiment.

"They play dirty every night. They have targeted me," said Faried.

Curry, visibly frustrated following the game, also engaged in a verbal altercation with a fan while exiting through the tunnel.

Mark Jackson Won't Rule Out Coaching Jason Collins, Talks Christian Values

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 15:37:58 EDT

Mark Jackson was asked on Monday to respond to Jason Collins' disclosure of his status as a gay man.

Jackson, who works for openly gay team president Rick Welts, has received attention for his ubiquitous Christianity as head coach of the Golden State Warriors.

"As a Christian man, I have beliefs of what's right and what's wrong," replied Jackson. "That being said, I know Jason Collins, I know his family and I'm certainly praying for them at this time."

Jackson was asked if Collins would be welcomed on the Warriors.

"If he had game. If he could help this team. Right now, he can't help this team."

Welts spoke to the media after Jackson.

"(Collins) absolutely will receive more opportunities," said Welts. "More doors will open than close."

The NBA community has been overwhelmingly supporting of Collins' announcement to Sports Illustrated.

ESPN's Chris Broussard said some players he spoke to told him privately that they might be uncomfortable playing with Collins.

Jarrett Jack, Agent Reassure Warriors He Wants To Re-Sign

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 01:09:42 EDT

Jarrett Jack and his agent have re-enforced to Golden State Warriors management that he wants to re-sign with the organization this offseason, when the guard will become a free agent.

"Hopefully, I can stay right here," Jack said. "I told my agent. I’m sure he spoke to the powers that be that I have desires to stay right here and help this franchise grow to the best of its ability.

“I think it’s just a perfect marriage. My teammates, the camaraderie we have, I like my role. I like what I’m able to bring to this team. Could I go somewhere and it would be bigger, but we might not be playing for as much? I try to make it a perfect marriage. The economics, that’s going to take precedent at times, but you also want to be happy. That’s the most fulfilling thing I have playing on this team.”

Jack has been a vital reserve for the Warriors all season and is averaging 19.7 points and eight assists in three playoff games.

"Could I go somewhere else and [start]? Yeah," Jack said. "But I like who we have here. I like the role that I’m in and am comfortable in. If it’s able to work out, I would love to be back here.”

Stephen Curry Receiving Treatment For Ankle Sprain, 'Probably' Will Play Game 3

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:54:51 EDT

Stephen Curry acknowledged his sprained left ankle is worse than originally thought, but said he "probably" would be able to play when Golden State hosts the Denver Nuggets on Friday in Game 3 of their opening round playoff series.

"There's nothing I can do right now, just try to manage the swelling and hopefully get it right by tomorrow night," Curry said. "I still have a little ways to go, but it should it should be all right."

Curry is getting intensive treatment on the ankle.

"It kind of acted up overnight after the game, and it was a little worse than I thought it would be since I was able to finish the game,” Curry said. “It's responded pretty well over the last day of treatment so I expect the same by (Friday) night."

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