I've been a Golden State Warriors fan longer than I care to remember. In '75 with a regular season record of 48-34, they swept the heavily favored Washington Bullets featuring Elvin Hayes and Wes Unseld 4-0 to win it all. Rick Barry was the series MVP, supported by Keith Wilkes, (he would become Jamaal later) Clifford Ray, and Phill Smith. The reason I wax nostalgic about this point in time, is because Warrior fans have been waiting for a repeat performance for 33 years now. "Run TMC" was by far the most entertaining basketball we had seen in years, but with no center, well...you know. Imagine my feelings of good fortune when they acquired one of my favorite players in Baron Davis. They also brought in Don Nelson, who tailored the offense to Davis' uptempo style. This was it. The difference maker. All we needed now was a force in the low post. Last years playoffs was just a sample of what was to come. The dunk over Kirilenko was a mission statement.
From that time until Monday night, Davis had been seeking a contract extention. The Warriors however have relented, citing Davis as injury prone. Davis was acquired from New Orleans in February of '05 while dealing with a number of nagging injuries. Prior to last years playoffs he had knee surgery, but played in 63 games and was ready for the playoff run. During the '07-'08 season Davis averaged 39 minutes a game and played all 82 games, while still being refused an extention. On Monday, Davis opted out of the last year of his contract.
I think it had become obvious that for whatever reason, the Warriors had decided to move in another direction. What I can't understand is why. Davis can score, pass, get to the bucket almost at will, and has publicly stated that Oakland is where he wanted to play. The injury prone excuse doesn't fly because the guy hasn't missed a game in over a year. Any problems he had before have been effectively taken care of. Making matters worse is the fact that the Warriors are reported to be prepared to offer Gilbert Arenas a max contract ($120 million) after 2 knee surgeries. After Baron's verbal agreement with the Clippers, the Warriors are also offering Elton Brand a max contract as well--after achilles tendon surgery.(about $90 million) Wait; let me get this straight. They'll offer max contracts to 2 guys just off the injury list, but won't make an offer for their franchise player, and citing his injury history as the reason? They could certainly have kept Davis had they been so inclined.
Davis will be hard to replace in Oakland. Given the fact that they let him walk without getting anything for him makes the matter even more perplexing. I wonder would I be considered a bandwagoner if I become a Clippers fan. I may not have another 33 years to wait.
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Comments (17) Add A Comment
Yeah,suck for GS fans,you really had something there,no playoffs or not.They may have been just a piece away.
(Cincy)
Jamestown, OH
Total Comments (10951)
Good blog. I honestly, don't understand the thought process in Golden State right now.
J. HOVA: PRIMETIME
Brooklyn, NY
Total Comments (17901)
Good blog, Hllywd. You're completely right. It was dumb of them to just let him go and then do something so hypocrital like offering an injured guy a max contract. Obviously, their managament isn't very...well, smart.
G.O.A.T. is back?
Scranton, PA
Total Comments (12360)
another nice blog. but correct me if i'm wrong but wasn't it baron who opted out of the final year of his contract(a guaranteed 17.8mil). it was him that obvisouly thought the warriors werent going in the right direction or thought that he had a better or equal chance to win in LA. in addition to that doesn't baron have aspirations of becoming some kind of film director or something....what better place to setup your post nba career than LA?? while i understand that golden state should have tried to lock him up with an extension or new deal but the clips to me are just as close to any post season success as golden state. i don't think you can blame golden state so much for this one; bdavis had his own agenda in mind
Al_Cheese
Richmond, VA
Total Comments (1451)
I feel for ya Holly. When the Kings let the nucleus of Vlade, Webber, and Peja go after being one game from the Finals.......made no sense either as the Kings have sucked bad since.
Cassidy's House:…
Whatsittoya, NO
Total Comments (16281)
Good blog Hllywd. If I was a Warriors fan, I'd be SO angry right now. I don't even think they have a true point guard on their roster right now.
Denis24
Total Comments (2679)
Hllywd-
Why don't you become an Oden fan...I have a hunch you won't have to wait 33 years. LOL.
But yeah, GS letting BD walk away for nothing is mind boggling.
Odenator...I'm…
Total Comments (1123)
Cheese--You missed the point. It wasn't an option. Davis only choice was to move on. The Warriors made it clear, he wasn't part of their future plans.
Hllywd: Old…
Columbus , OH
Total Comments (7803)
Hllywd: Old Schoolin' |
ok. my bad. yeah, they are gonna miss out on a good one.
Al_Cheese
Richmond, VA
Total Comments (1451)
i agree hllywd warriors deserve it
ahung: The Last…
Santa Clara , CA
Total Comments (2775)
Great post. I thoroughly enjoyed it! You're right.
Petey024
New York , NY
Total Comments (2146)
Great blog. Their stand on Davis does seem bizarre and hypocritical. I was a Warriors fan during the TMC era. I emulated Chris Mullin's shooting style. They were a joy to watch.
The Shamrock
Jenkintown , PA
Total Comments (364)
good work dude did you also mention they signed free agent corey maggette to a 5 year 48 million dollar deal and are now thinking of getting rid off him
the warriors management along with nelson are peanuts
winkstrap
Total Comments (436)
Man, it just sucks. Davis is a clutch player that also clacks 3's when needed most.
I bet it hurts to see him go.
OldSchool_Ninja
Total Comments (47)
Hahaha....so that's what you do, hllywd? Good stuff. Good stuff. Well, yeah...Davis was seeing this model at the time, an aquaintence of mine ....and yes, he wanted to stay there in GS. Then he saw the writing on the wall by the Warriors. So he had to contemplate leaving. And I was told he quietly, really wanted to play in NY. And I was also told that he was literally fuming when Brand broke the verbal pact and left LA. But the following day, I liked it that Davis took the high road and said publicly he understood Brand's move. So, yes, I believe that Davis had no choice but to leave.
Justice88
Total Comments (732)
Please see Post #3.
I know where you are coming from and you are right about that film stuff he wants to do...but they (the Warriors) left him little choice.
Justice88
Total Comments (732)
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