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Mullin Was Prepared To Deal, On Condition Of A Meeting With Artest
Although that would indicate that the Warriors really didn't want Artest - how could they make Diogu a deal-breaker? - the Warriors were serious enough about Artest that they had already assigned assistant coach Mario Elie the job of babysitting Artest in the event that he would join the team. They figured that Elie, another New Yorker, could help keep Artest under control. But since they wanted to part only with Mike Dunleavy, the Warriors never made themselves serious players. The New York Post, meanwhile, reported that despite being unable to get anybody from St. John's or Indiana to recommend Artest sources say Golden State boss Chris Mullin was prepared to take the gamble. His only requirement was to meet with Artest one-on-one before meeting the Pacers' demand for Ike Diogu, Mike Dunleavy or Troy Murphy in a four-player package. Golden State Warriors, Indiana Pacers Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets Mullin Backs Monty, Expects To Make A Major Trade
Rock-solid and no blinking on Mullin's part. Mullin practically offered to put his hand on a Bible and summon a Supreme Court Justice. ``I feel fine with Mike, I really do,'' Mullin said in a wide-ranging, no-dodging 40-minute interview at the Warriors' offices Friday. ``For a lot of different reasons, I think he's going to be fine. I think he's doing a really good job. I'm happy with him.'' Even if the Warriors continue to stumble toward the basement, Mullin said. Even if Baron Davis and Montgomery never get on the same wavelength. Even if, heaven forbid, the Warriors' playoff-free streak extends to 12 seasons in April. Mullin repeated that he has long-term goals, that Montgomery is in the middle of it, and that there is no reason to start panicking now. He conceded that his roster has holes and said he'd like to make a major trade for a big man. He suggested the time is coming for his young core to earn the money he invested in them. He agreed that he'd like to see Ike Diogu, Mickael Pietrus and Andris Biedrins become bigger parts of the Warriors' game plan. Mullin confirmed that he had conversations with Indiana about Ron Artest before Artest ended up in Sacramento and said he wasn't bothered much by Artest's past. But Mullin confirmed he's really shopping for an effective big man. Hmm . . . Chris, don't these good big guys -- whether it's Kevin Garnett, Kenyon Martin or Tyson Chandler -- tend to be very pricey on the trade block? ``I'm not cheap,'' Mullin said with a smile. Mullin said he's waiting for his players to get on track after the clanked free throws, missed rebounds and defeats of the past few weeks. He's waiting, but not forever. ``There have to be some things rectified, no question,'' Mullin said. ``There's a lot of ways to do that; you can come up with so many things, physical facts -- free throws, rebounds . . . ``And then ultimately, it's me making changes with players. That's not a rumor; that's not a threat. That's legit. That's a fact.'' Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets Dunleavy And Richardson Out Against Portland
Jason Richardson missed Friday's game due to back spasms and again will not be available. Derek Fisher and Mickael Pietrus will start in their place. Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets Warriors Jan 2006 Archive
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The Pacers didn't get the first player they wanted in the Artest deal. Golden State didn't want to part with Ike Diogu, even though he's a backup. 
If Chris Mullin is to be believed, and he has demonstrated no false notes so far, Mike Montgomery isn't going to be fired or shoved off into a humiliating, golden-parachute resignation any time soon.