Warriorsworld.net hooked up with Dennis O’Donnell, CBS 5 Sports Director for a Q&A about the Warriors and Bay Area Sports.
Do you feel the Warriors as an organization have a commitment
to winning? Is Winning their first priority?
Absolutely. But for the life of me I can’t understand why the
big man has always eluded Don Nelson. Even during the era of
Mullin-Richmond-Hardaway they needed the banger. The big softie just
didn’t do it for me. I love his brand of basketball, don’t get me
wrong. But it’s frustrating to see them overmatched by Boozer and the
Jazz. And I don’t think that need was addressed this off-season either.
John York catches a lot of heat for the way he runs the 49ers , why do you think Chris Cohan doesnt catch the same amount of
criticism from fans and local media?
Because Chris Cohan didn’t take over a
team that won 5 super bowls under Eddie DeBartolo
Is there a more loyal fan base than the Warriors Fans?
Yes. Cubs fans. It’s been 100 years
of pain for the masochistic Cubs fans who lay blame on Steve Bartman
for all failures of the past 50 years. But what about the
50 years prior? At least the Warriors were treated to an NBA
championship in the modern era!
What is the local media’s perception of the Warriors ?
Mullin
brought cred back to the Warriors and corrected the Montgomery experiment with
Nelson. Hey, it’s not championship basketball, but the
front office deserves the credit for restoring life to Oracle. I think
the media recognizes that. I know the fans do.
Your thoughts on the departure of Baron Davis?
I think
so. But it’s one of those moves that you have to judge over
time. In my opinion, when Davis
walked on the floor the team KNEW they could win. But it’s a business and
Mullin had to weigh health versus long term money. Perhaps a better
question is, was it a good move for Baron to make?
Monta Ellis and Andris Biedrins, both looking for big money, are they
worth the investment?
Without question.
Remember they’re very young players who have matured very quickly.
Biedrins isn’t the banger you want but his footwork, touch, and overall
basketball skills will be a key ingredient to the long term success of the
team. So goes for Monta. I’m curious to see how he fares at the
point. If you can prove the naysayers wrong he’ll make everyone
forget who Baron Davis was. If not..well..CJ Watson anyone?
What are your memories of the Warriors growing up?
The
championship season, without question. I loved the tandem of George
Johnson and Clifford Ray. They were hard-hat type of players who played outside
the spotlight of the others including Rick Barry. Attles was a
manic on the bench. Bill King was a pain in the rear end for officials
every time they ran past him on the scorers table. It wasn’t just that
they won the championship. I loved their chemistry. They were underdogs
and ended up sweeping the series.
Bay area sports teams are not exactly doing good except for the Sharks, Which bay
area team has the best chance to turn it around and become a consistent winner
and championship contender?
The Athletics. I
think the trades of Haren and Swisher worked out in the short team
for the Diamondbacks and White Sox but will secure the long
term future of the A’s. There are some all-star players in that
deal and they’ll be in the thick of it by 2009. Bt the
merry-go-round that is the Oakland
A’s won’t stop until they build the stadium. Eleven thousand
on beautiful summer night? Please.
Best Bay Area sports moment within the last year was?
Barry Bonds
hitting the home run. Despite all the controversy surrounding the
player, the moment will be unforgettable in the minds of everyone who saw
it.
What advice would you give to young journalists hoping to get into
the sports world or broadcasting?
I suppose it depends on your priorities and expectations.The business is
changing but the passion is not. The world needs good journalists and good
writers. People who can tell stories in compelling ways. I would suggest
aspiring broadcasters and journalists to follow their hearts and make their
career choices based on happiness over financial gain. Let me
say this about the business: Our jobs are predicated on what happens in
the sporting world. We find ourselves in the midst of a major trade, a pennant
race, a record home run or simply watching a great tennis match.
It’s a great gig.
Special Thanks to Akilah Monifa and Dennis O’donnell