With new ownership in place, Monta Ellis is on good terms with the Golden State front office. Ellis was fined $3 million by the Warriors and suspended for 30 games after he tore an ankle ligament in an offseason motorbike accident.

"I'm not going to demand something," he says. "As long as I'm under contract with Golden State, I'm going to be here."

The Warriors are currently 27-33, but frequently are outplayed by teams with big frontcourts.

"We got the talent," says Ellis. "When we have the heart to go out there and compete every night, we'll be all right.

"We're considered one of the softest teams in the NBA. Even teams softer than us come in and try to bully us. Some guys let it be. Until you get the heart of that dog in you, you won't win."