Monta Ellis' suspension further distances Warriors' president Rowell from Mullin

October 11, 10:31 PMGolden State Warriors ExaminerMatt Steinmetz

Previous Next

5 comments Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Golden State Warriors Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

Chris Mullin: Warriors VP of basketball ops 

Warriors president Robert Rowell sat down with the media on Saturday night and talked about Monta Ellis’ 30-game suspension and the futures of vice president of basketball operations Chris Mullin and coach Don Nelson.

There’s just no way I can keep up with my boy Tim Kawakami when it comes to transcribing, so I’m just linking to his stuff. Here it is: KAWAKAMI LINK. Thanks Tim.

After giving Rowell’s responses some thought, three things came to mind:

First, Mullin’s gone.

I know there are optimists out there who believe everything is fine with Mullin, who is on the last year of his contract, but that just doesn’t seem to be the case. More mounting evidence tonight.

Rowell went out of his way on Saturday to point out that Mullin was not on board with Ellis’ punishment and that Mullin didn’t think Ellis’ infraction was that big of a deal. When you say that in front of a dozen media members, that's a message.

Also, Rowell said Mullin and Nelson would both be evaluated this year and decisions would be made along the way.

Look, Mullin’s been the team’s vice president of basketball operations for the past four years. This is year No. 5.

How much more evaluating do you need to do? You either want him back or you don’t.

At this point it doesn't seem like the Warriors want Mullin back. Then again, Mullin isn't saying he wants to be back.

Remember, you're dealing with Chris Mullin here. Guy has a lot of pride, and rightfully so.

Certainly the Warriors know it's risky to think they can come to Mullin at the All-Star break with a two-year extension and think he’s going to sign it with a smile. That's why I think Mully isn't going to be running things next year.
 

Monta Ellis: Suspended 30 games, costing about $3 mill. 

♦ ♦ Second, Kawakami asked Rowell about Rowell's contract situation, and Rowell said his deal runs beyond this season.

My understanding from more than one person is that Rowell signed a contract extension last summer.

Also heard it was for five years, though that one I'm not positive about.

♦ ♦ ♦ Lastly, and maybe I'm parsing here. 

Is it accurate to say you didn’t consider voiding Ellis’ contract when you also acknowledge that you’ve reserved the right to re-visit this issue in the future?

The Warriors haven’t voided Ellis’ contract.

There is still the possibility, however, they could.