PHILADELPHIA – While the Grizzlies are only a Jerry West autograph away from attaching themselves to instant credibility for the first time in seven seasons and two countries, the Warriors are in the process of working out an arrangement with Chris Mullin that would put him in charge of their front office, The Post has learned.
In other words, while the Gristle have no option but to raid another franchise’s glorious past in hopes of reversing their enduring lack of luck, Golden State appears poised to delve into its own archives to enhance its chances in the future.
According to sources, the negotiations between West and Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley ended early last week, the League Logo has decided to become the Monarch of Memphis and an announcement is imminent, barring any last second dispute when their agreement is put to paper.
“Jerry will have total freedom and financial support to do whatever he chooses, from the top of the organization to the bottom,” offers someone West regularly takes into his confidence.
“Obviously, that’s the case. Why else would Jerry assume control of a situation in such disrepair? Don’t get me wrong, though, he’s always said he’d love to build a franchise from the depths.”
Well, guess what, Jerry, if the Grizzlies were any further below sea level, Heisley would’ve turned to the Cousteaus.
People don’t realize the extent of Jerry Buss’ frugality. Heisley, on the other hand, pledges to dig deep into his pocket in order to build a winner and promises not to meddle. If an iota of what I hear about Heisley is true, hopefully West gets all that in tamper-proof legalize.
This could turn out to be the strangest marriage since Julia Roberts and Lyle Lovett.
West will answer to no one but Heisley. Dick Versace’s existing authority as Grizzlies president will shrivel immediately and vanish in no time. Heisley may be easy to fool (as evidenced by Versace’s scandalous $10 million, 5-year contract – three remaining – and two points of ownership), but West stopped going for “the fake” halfway through his rookie year.
Mullin’s welcomed takeover of Warrior management (the job’s essentially his if he wants it) isn’t as clear. What becomes of Garry St. Jean? Recently assured by a disciple of owner Christopher Cohan this June’s draft is his responsibility, it’s uncertain whether St. Jean will be retained as GM in a diminished capacity or flat-out dispossessed.
One way or the other, it’ll be positively positive to have Mullin again on the job in the Bay Area, where he served with distinction for 13 years and still lives – several houses removed from St. Jean. Among the most cerebral guys in his sphere of influence, Mullin will need every degree of street smarts earned on the courts throughout New York to steer the Warriors back to the playoffs, a place they haven’t sniffed since 1994.
You might call them the Kevin Garnett of franchises.
At any rate, the lowdown in Oaktown is that the modern day Warriors do have some talent. Not Run-TMC talent, mind you (though, I suspect, Tim Hardaway and Mitch Richmond can be had), but the roster boasts Antawn Jamison (may I suggest trading him while you can, if you can), Jason Richardson, Danny Fortson, Gilbert Arenas and Troy Murphy.
Given appropriate tweaking, the Warriors shouldn’t religiously reek for much longer regardless whether they’re being coached by Brian Winters, Shelley Winters, Jonathan Winters, or whomever gets the gig (I’m told Mullin turned it down) next season.
Don’t quote me on this, but I hear Rick Barry’s available.
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Our Sunday soiree wouldn’t be complete without some not-so-sedate slaps at the Portland Trail Blazers, again perched on the playoff cliff, begging to be thrown off by the Lakers or their own momentum.
I don’t know what I found more odious during Game 2, watching Portland pile up technicals as L.A. padded its scoring, or seeing the Blazers stage a furious rally (against their bored opponents) to make the final count palatable.
Imagine how compelling this series would be if stupidity and stubbornness weren’t Portland’s principal products. Some components never change.
“Maybe the grass is greener on the other side,” said Damon Stoudamire.
Remember when Bob Whitsitt wished he had 12 players just like Rasheed Wallace?
Guess what? He does.