octobre
For Warriors, turmoil starts with the boss
By Tim Brown,
Source : Getty Images
With such imperfection, such an uneven past for Stephen Jackson(notes), the twisted sensibilities of his Golden State Warriors owner should’ve suggested Chris Cohan would develop a deep affection for his star. He showered Jax with a needless contract extension of $28 million, a captainship and ultimately the organizational manual on manipulation and petulance.
The worst owner in the NBA is seldom seen or heard, preferring to let a slobbering run of incompetence shape the face of his legacy. From front-office folly to combustible stars, Cohan has lorded over one embarrassing episode after another in his 15-year Donald Sterling-esque run as majority owner.
In Chris Cohan’s 15-year tenure as owner, the Warriors have made the playoffs just once.
Captain Jack watched franchise legend and general manager Chris Mullin get pushed out of his job, and witnessed coach Don Nelson get his buddy Larry Riley the office. Jackson watched Nelson take a rich contract extension and practically give up coaching a season ago, turning over most duties to his assistants.
Mostly, Jackson watched the way it worked with the Warriors. He’s no dummy. The Machiavellians have always reigned here, always prospered. He just learned the way it works, and he’s making it work for him with an exit strategy of belligerence.
Make no mistake: Management will make Jack the boogeyman now because there’s always a bad guy here. From Chris Webber(notes) to Latrell Sprewell, Mullin to P.J. Carlesimo, Baron Davis(notes) to Jackson, there’s always a fall guy for Cohan and his meddling, overmatched president, Bobby Rowell. Jackson isn’t innocent, but he sure beat the Warriors. Jax wants out and he’ll make life hell for the Warriors until he gets his wish.
