Moe Says Nelson Should Coach U.S. Olympic Team

Nuggets Coach Doug Moe says Golden State’s Don Nelson should be named coach of the 1992 U.S. Olympic basketball team without delay.

Moe also said during an interview on Sunday that he thinks it is a mistake to allow NBA players to compete in the Olympics.

He said Nelson, who went on record last week as saying he wanted the Olympic coaching job, is suited for the job and should get it.

“I’d give it to him right now and get it over with,” said Moe, “because it’s a headache. I’m sure there’s a lot of pride and a great honor, but I wouldn’t want to do it. They should just give it to someone who wants it.”

Moe earlier had thought he might want the job.

“The more I’ve thought about it, the more I think Nellie should have the job right now.”

Discussing use of NBA players in the Olympics, Moe shrugged off the argument that European countries have been allowed to use professional players in the Olympics.

“What a joke,” he said. “Our college system is more professional than their pro leagues. They’re more professional than college? Why? Because they pay their players? A lot of the college players are getting paid anyway.”

“I just feel the pros shouldn’t be in it,” said Moe. “The system is pretty good now. Why mess it up?”