As NBA trade talks warm, here are 10 players right up Nellie's alley

January 2, 9:03 AMGolden State Warriors ExaminerMatt Steinmetz

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Don Nelson: You know he's looking 

Assistant general manager Larry Riley and coach Don Nelson are making most of the Warriors' decisions, and they’re 10-24. So, you better believe they’re looking to make a deal or two to turn this thing around.

So, I figured I’d put together a list of 10 players right up Nellie’s alley.

Some of the criteria: No superstars or players unrealistic to acquire; only players not quite flourishing in their current situations (why else are they available?); in general, these players are perceived to be or are considered skilled and/or athletic, and most are big men; and perhaps most important, the player has to be one Nelson likely believes he can turn into a better player in his system.

Of course, what we haven’t mentioned yet is what any of these players might cost the Warriors. That’s where Anthony Randolph and Brandan Wright might have to come in.

Another thing about these players: While they're young, they're not so inexperienced that Nelson wouldn't have interest in them.

Tony Allen Boston: He’s on the periphery of Boston’s rotation and is loaded with athletic ability. You can see Allen being more effective under a Nelson than a Doc Rivers. So, obviously, Nelson can see it, too.

Andrea Bargnani, Toronto: The No. 1 overall pick isn’t living up to expectations. But he’s big, he’s skilled and he’s just the type of player Nelson probably thinks he can toughen up and turn into something.

Andray Blatche, Washington: Every once in a while Blatche gives you that hint of Kevin Garnett. It doesn’t happen enough if you’re in Wizards management, but it’s probably enough for the Warriors to invite some sniffing.

Marquis Daniels, Indiana: Nelson coached Daniels once before in Dallas. Daniels is having a big season in Indiana, but there’s no way he can be part of the future there. He’s a well-rounded player and he would probably raise the Warriors basketball IQ.

Acie Law, Atlanta: There was more than one story out there that Nelson had a real interest in trying to acquire Acie Law a year or so back. That’s why he’s on the list.

Darius Miles, Memphis: Miles is looking for a place to settle in; Memphis is the latest stop. If not for the Grizzlies, why not the Warriors?

Darko Milicic, Memphis: Milicic is kind of a poor-man’s Bargnani. If the Warriors can’t work something for one, they might drop down to another level.

Tyrus Thomas, Chicago: It’s not a stretch to see Thomas working on Nellie’s nerves from the get-go. But from a distance Thomas is the kind of player who can make a coach/decision-maker glaze over.

Gerald Wallace, Charlotte: It’s hard to imagine Wallace coming to the Warriors and making any kind of significant positive impact. He seems like just another player you'll bring in and get marginal results. But he’s Nelson’s kind of power forward, isn’t he?

Yi Jianlian, New Jersey: Nelson likes players who can shoot and Yi can do that … from three-point range. He’s big and skilled and best of all for Nelson might be closer to 24 than 21. And did we mention Yi would sell tickets?