Don Nelson HAMMERS P O'B in the press

[ER3]

http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/sports/basketball/nba/golden_state_warriors/16541905.htm

Warriors coach Don Nelson indicated Wednesday that O'Bryant, the ninth overall pick last summer, likely would not be recalled from his assignment with the Bakersfield Jam until the NBA Development League season concludes on April 14. Golden State would have three regular-season games remaining at that point.

O'Bryant, the only NBA lottery selection to receive the D-League treatment, is averaging 6.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game in seven contests with the Jam but has fouled out twice and shot just 40 percent.

"I told him if he goes down to the D-League and isn't a dominant player, there should be red flags all over the place, and he should be the first to notice," Nelson said. "He's not only not dominating, he's not playing very well. He's a long-term project. I really liked him the first week of training camp, but I assumed there would be great progress. ... He hasn't gotten better one bit.

"I'd like to go to dinner with him, but I wouldn't like to put him in the game I'm coaching."



Ouch! Well, I hope Patrick is taking care of his money because it doesn't look like he is going to get much of an opportunity to develop with Nellie at the helm...Sounds like a trade out of Golden State would really, really be in POB's best interests now....

[mike radigan]

Hopefully he'll get out of the not so Golden State. In the meantime he should take it personal and work his butt off. Who knows, maybe that is all Nellie is trying to accomplish. Nah!

[Braves4Life]

Agree

I may catch a lot of flack for this but I tend to agree with Nellie. I watched POB play several games from afar (NC) and will readily admit I am not as qualified to judge him as many of the posters on this board.

I was never that impressed by his overall ability at this stage of his career and felt that he would be a marginal NBA player (and would never even have been considered an after-thought if he wasn't over 7'). Cellus was much more talented but, unfortunately, is too small to be an NBA forward and not a good enough ballhandler yet to be an NBA 2-guard.

POB's only chance to be an impact player is to play everyday in the Development league. No NBA coach can afford to put his team and job in jeopardy by playing someone that is a liability. I thought it was quite a compliment to POB's character that Nellie commented about his company at dinner. And, after all, character is what really matters in life.

All that being said, I do think POB made the right decision to turn pro last year. I believe it was rare window-of-opportunity presented by fate that he would never have again. Any other year and he would have been an after-thought in the draft (unless he continues to show marked improvement at BU, which I think he would have).

I hope POB treats this Development League like a well-paid college and continues to improve so that he can remain in the NBA after his contract is up. He, like Hawk and AP, is a great person and a tremendous assets to BU.

Enough ranting for now. Go ahead, have at me BradleyFans.com

[Murph]

Nellie is just trying to motivate POB, he's correct by saying he should be dominating in this so called D league. As far as getting out of Golden State, if you can't play for that team then who can you play for? POB was right for leaving though, even if it don't work out he's set for life if he makes good investments with his money.

[AV23]

Re: Agree

I may catch a lot of flack for this but I tend to agree with Nellie. I watched POB play several games from afar (NC) and will readily admit I am not as qualified to judge him as many of the posters on this board.

I was never that impressed by his overall ability at this stage of his career and felt that he would be a marginal NBA player (and would never even have been considered an after-thought if he wasn't over 7'). Cellus was much more talented but, unfortunately, is too small to be an NBA forward and not a good enough ballhandler yet to be an NBA 2-guard.

POB's only chance to be an impact player is to play everyday in the Development league. No NBA coach can afford to put his team and job in jeopardy by playing someone that is a liability. I thought it was quite a compliment to POB's character that Nellie commented about his company at dinner. And, after all, character is what really matters in life.

All that being said, I do think POB made the right decision to turn pro last year. I believe it was rare window-of-opportunity presented by fate that he would never have again. Any other year and he would have been an after-thought in the draft (unless he continues to show marked improvement at BU, which I think he would have).

I hope POB treats this Development League like a well-paid college and continues to improve so that he can remain in the NBA after his contract is up. He, like Hawk and AP, is a great person and a tremendous assets to BU.

Enough ranting for now. Go ahead, have at me BradleyFans.com

Well braves4life I'm not going to rip you, but I have seen everyone of POB games (Pro/D-League). You left out some very important information like his teammates fighting with each other and never passing him the ball when he is open. Not to mention the head coach of the jam does not sub players in at the right time.

As for as POB decision to turn pro, he made the choice. Know matter what anyone says/thinks on this board or the pjstar board the kid made the right decision.

I would really like to know what games you where at???????

[AV23]

Let me correct myself. I have been to every home game while Patrick was playing at Golden State

[Braves4Life]

POB

I'll admit AV23 that I never saw POB play live. However, I saw many BU games on the internet and during the NCAA Tourney run and stand by my comments.

Even though POB played very well against pro-prospects in the Pitt and Kansas games, I saw many weaknesses in his game and mechanics that led me to believe that he had a LONG way to go before he could be a good NBA player. Also, Gray (Pitt) and Kaun (KU) are pro prospects but are hardly going to be NBA starters or stars (IMO). These guys will be career NBA bench warmers/second string as I am afraid POB may become.

I agree with you that the players and coaches in the NBA D-League are "losers". These guys are there for a reason and passing the ball is highly unlikely, as these guys are only trying to "put up stats"; the coaches are also not the best in the business or they too would be at a higher level, if deserving.

All that being what it is, I DID say POB made the right decision. I just don't think he will get the attention and experience in the NBA or the D-League that he would have gotten at BU. This, unfortunately, will seal his destiny as an NBA bench-warmer at best.

Hope I'm wrong!

[tornado]

AV23-- please pass this on to Patrick..

Hang in there....we know you have the talent, it's just a big, dog-eat-dog world out there, but we know what you can do and we are rooting like he!! for you POB!

We sure do miss you but we're having a fun year. We dream of what it'd be like if you were playing this year with all these guys, but we know you made the right decision, and you have a great deal that every kid grows up longing for.

You are in our prayers Patrick, and whenever you are near Peoria, or if we see you at a game anywhere (hopefully it'll be at the Final Four! ) stop by and say hi to fans in the BU fan section, we'll never forget you!

[Murph]

Let me correct myself. I have been to every home game while Patrick was playing at Golden State

And your from Peoria, thats a very long commute.

[Dallas Brave]

The topic of POB going pro is still an emotional one for BU fans. While it is tempting to open up the discussion again and assess whether or not it was the right one, to do so is of little or no practical value for BU fans.

At this point, I truly believe the Bradley Nation wishes the best for POB and hopes that he not only has a successful career in the NBA but a great life at whatever he does. He was an incredibly important player in helping revive the Bradley program and will hold a special place in our hearts and minds.

My views are not in response to any previous posts in this thread, so please don???‚¬?„?t interpret them as such ???‚¬??? they are just a bit of brain dump as I eat my dinner.

[lake Camelot]

As bad as this sounds for Patrick, it may be a backhanded compliment. If Nelson thought he was a lost cause and wanted to get rid of him I don't think he would be talking like that. He would talk him up in that case. I think he believes Patrick is a project. He is trying to inspire him.