The team had another successful string of wins in the late 80s/early 90s with the high scoring trio of point guard Tim Hardaway, guard Mitch Richmond, and forward Chris Mullin (collectively known as "Run T-M-C" after the rap group Run-D.M.C.). However, with then coach Don Nelson wishing to go with a bigger lineup, he made a trade that broke up the Run T-M-C core by sending Richmond to the Sacramento Kings for draft-day bust Billy Owens while bypassing Dikembe Mutombo, who was selected next by the Denver Nuggets.

- Answers.com

But Nelson saw an opportunity in Golden State big enough to lure him out of a comfortable routine at his home in Hawaii and his sports bar in downtown Dallas. With his unorthodox coaching methods -- and a vow to improve his team's defense, just as he promised every season with the high-scoring Mavericks -- he's ready to fix another moribund club.

"I still have the passion, and I think we have the talent here," Nelson said. "I like this team. There's nobody better at playing small-ball than me. I know how to do that. There's a lot of positives here, and many of them happen to be smaller players."

- Boston.com

So everything has come full-circle for Nellie in Golden State. 12 seasons after breaking up a diminutive, running-and-gunning roster in favor of size and defense, he's returned to the bay promising a smaller, faster, higher-scoring Warriors lineup. Will the new Run T.M.C. fare as well as the originals and make an impact in the Pacific?

Then…

• Tim Hardaway - Couldn't wear jersey number 10 until his second season, after veteran Manute Bol left the team
• Mitch Richmond - 1 of 6 players in NBA history to average at least 21 ppg for his first 10 seasons
• Chris Mullin - Only player to have been named Big East Player of the Year 3 times, thanks to sharing 2 Co-Player of the Year Awards with Patrick Ewing

Now…

• Baron Davis - Straight outta Compton, Baron like chewing Juicy Fruit gum during games
• Jason Richardson - Along with Michael Jordan, 1 of 2 players to have won consecutive NBA Slam Dunk Contests
• Troy Murphy - Funds an AAU team in his New Jersey hometown called the Jersey Shore Warriors

And Always…

• Don Nelson - "I ain't no messiah, that's for sure," Nelson says. "But I am a good coach, and I'll do a good job here. I will get the team headed in the right direction. A lot of good things are going to happen." - USA Today

Pacific Division Forecast

1. LA Lakers
2. Phoenix Suns
3. LA Clippers
4. Golden State Warriors
5. Sacramento Kings

Labels: NBA, rank and file