Comments on: The Smart Handshake Agreement

By: WetLunGz

WetLunGz — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 01:27:36 +0000

I am very suprised by how well this team is playing. I used to be a nellie fan (mostly cuz everyhbdy else was hating on him) and as much as he helped monta, curry, watson, morrow, azubuike really enhance there offensive game, I can really see now how badly he affected team morale, and how poorly he handled things with the players. I was skeptical at first about Smart, but he is proving he can make grown men play hard, night in and night out. And I have a lot of respect for him now as a coach. Well see how he does on wed witout monta….

By: W's in 2010

W's in 2010 — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 22:57:50 +0000

I’m really enjoying a season without the BS mind games, oh this is so lovely.

By: manhattanproj

manhattanproj — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 19:53:54 +0000

not to rain on the parade, as the w’s are jumping starting this season, and it’s probably still early to ponder such question. but the last nelson’s protege by the name of avery johnson also started and did well in his first year. but how has he fared since?

i noticed there’s quite a bit of positive press going on for smart right now. from this piece to T.K.’s, i hope smart does well but at the same time, i think we should temper our enthusiasm a little.

now the question is if smart goes on and have a +/- .500 season, a BIG if, what would new management do?

By: MWLX

MWLX — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 19:53:12 +0000

Marcus, you’re the only one I’ve seen write about that blowup, and I’m glad you filled in the details. Jim Barnett made a cogent point on the telecast: Keith Smart had been everybody’s friend as an assistant coach, but could he be tough enough when he needed to be, as a head coach? After seeing this, Barnett said Keith Smart is definitely tough enough, and I agree. I like the way he handled it, getting tough, but not getting personal and nasty. Many coaches don’t know the difference.

On the other hand, I’m very disappointed in your story in today’s Tribune. Here we are with good feelings about how the Warriors have started the season, and you bring up BS stuff about how the Warriors might still trade Monta Ellis. For pete’s sake, that story could be written about virtually any team and any player at any time of the season. With the exception of Kobe, LBJ, Durant and DWade, any player is tradeable at any time for the right pieces. Not to be ridiculous, but give us the Hornets starting lineup, and Monta is gone. Is it going to happen? No. Is there a story in this? No, unless you have reliable sources who said it’s being discussed. Did you? No.

What motivated you to write this story at this time is what I would call journalist’s disease — the overwhelming need to find conflict or controversy, even when there is none. Generally, you’ve avoided this type of story, leaving it to your assinine colleague, Kawakami. This was a low point, in my book.

By: Ron

Ron — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 15:20:33 +0000

I have written this before. I have worked at Summer league the past 5 years. In a few interactions Coach Smart was always personable. Would look you in the eye. I say this because many of the teams staff there have that I am better than you attitude and just look through anyone they feel are not on their social level. I am glad he was given the chance to be the W’s coach. I am rooting for him!

By: feltbot

feltbot — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 15:18:11 +0000

Now that Randolph is gone, this is probably the most coachable group in the NBA. No knuckleheads. No contract agendas. Everyone super-high IQ and unselfish.

Keith Smart is blessed by the roster Nellie left behind.

By: commish

commish — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 13:07:21 +0000

Whatever Smart did it is clearly working. I was a true Nelson hater but have really wanted to leave all that negativity behind me. Being at the Utah game and even Memphis sure made that easier.

By: Fadein2Bolivian

Fadein2Bolivian — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 05:43:03 +0000

I was a Nelson supporter,too,and still think he got blamed for too much, but I love what Smart’s doing. Rotations, timeouts, everything.

Monta resting early in the 4th was huge in the last 2 games.

It’s early, but if you’re looking at a path for the W’s to make the playoffs, do you see Phoenix and Utah being the 2 teams who made it last year that don’t make it this year, allowing the W’s and Hornets in?

By: dengel1925

dengel1925 — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 05:36:28 +0000

The Warriors have won two games in a row that they’d have lost last year, folding in the stretch. I can’t see any reason for that except the coaching. Keith Smart is the best thing that’s happened to the Warriors in a long, long time. It’s great to watch a really effective coach. What a difference from last year!

By: Tony

Tony — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 04:20:33 +0000

Now this is some good reporting right here – nice work.
We are super lucky to have both of them – so glad we dumped Nellie.
Not to hate on departed players, but can you imagine how AR would have responded to Smart tearing into him like that in the middle of a close game if AR screwed up?
Also, if Smart is telling his player to be men, take criticism like adults, play hard for 48 minutes and don’t let the drama linger – maybe this explains why BWright may not be his favorite warrior at the moment