Yes, Nellie is playing a few youngsters. But not the youngsters he said he'd play

November 4, 7:13 AMGolden State Warriors ExaminerMatt Steinmetz

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Don Nelson: Relying heavily on veterans early

Yes, Don Nelson is playing a rookie in DeMarcus Nelson, and he relies heavily on Kelenna Azubuike and Andris Biedrins, two other young players.

Monta Ellis is also young and he, obviously, is part of the Warriors’ core.

But, c’mon. Isn’t it a tad disingenuous to use these players as proof Don Nelson is playing the young guys?

Everyone knows that when Don Nelson talked about playing youngsters this past offseason he didn’t mean DeMarcus Nelson, Azubuike, Biedrins and Ellis.

He meant Brandan Wright, Marco Belinelli and, possibly, Anthony Randolph.

DeMarcus Nelson is an undrafted rookie and wasn’t even in the Warriors’ plans until recently.

DeMarcus Nelson only became part of the Warriors’ picture when Don Nelson realized he had no use for Marcus Williams.

As for Azubuike, again, yes, he’s young.

But he’s a D-League find, and a very nice role player for your rotation. He wasn’t a high draft pick _ like those other three.

And as for Biedrins, yeah he’s young, but this is also his fifth year in the league. He’s more of a veteran than a rookie, that’s for sure.

So … OK, here’s acknowledging Don Nelson is playing young players.

But let’s be honest, they're not the young players he promised.