Bottom Line

by triplesix on Apr 30, 2007 11:18 AM PDT

is that without Baron we would not even be in this series. Earlier this year GSW fans were calling to trade this guy and just yesterday there was a post exploring the option of Gilbert Arenas in '08. I don't want a player that opted not to return to the team when he could have. Give me a break after 13 years we have a leader that actually wants to be a Warrior and is showing the world that he is not only one of the most clutch players in the league (he hits every big shot - every time we need one - all year long) he is also one of the best players in the league, a la Steve Nash. He dominates opponents and makes others better. I know that he has had injuries but heart and talent can battle through a hurtin body - and he's only 28! Chris Mullin believed that this was the guy to build around (w/JRich) and he's proving he's worth the money (now that he has a good coach). How many guys can you say that about in the NBA.

This FanPost is a submission from a member of the mighty Golden State of Mind community. While we're all here to throw up that W, these words do not necessarily reflect the views of the GSoM Crew. Still, chances are the preceding post is Unstoppable Baby!

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Gilbert Arenas

is not a winner

by Zig on Apr 30, 2007 11:49 AM PDT reply actions

and

BD doesnt seem to be like a "me" guy. He is all about team and not just joining a good team but making one.

by BiedrinsORBust on Apr 30, 2007 11:50 AM PDT reply actions

Screw Gilbert

I am convinced that the reason that the Warriors have gone so far is that the team has a real love for their team mates, the fans and the Bay Area. Say what you may about how great a certain player can make a team, but if he's in it only for himself, then it aint going to work.

How many players want to give their all when they know the next guy to him is only going to give his all when it will work out this his own benefit? Very few. I got to say I have loved the Warriors when the sucked I love them now. Its the same with Baron and JR. He wants to win with this team. He's not making some ridiculous quotes like Gilbert about seeing if this team has any championship potential and then he'll see.

Honestly why do people think the Warriors are such a suprise this playoff? Because they don't know the hearts of these guys. How many times after a win do Jax or BD or JR mention the fans or the town? Almost every single time. They play for more than just their own seperate contracts or personal glory, they play for all of us.

by 6thMan on Apr 30, 2007 12:22 PM PDT reply actions

Some could make an argument

that would go as far as to say you could build around Baron WITHOUT Jrich.... but then that would just be blasphemy and you would then be condemned.

RUN TMC!

by ZombieWarrior on Apr 30, 2007 12:34 PM PDT reply actions

Look

I know we're on the playoff high, but isn't someone going a little too far here?

You realize I posted the article about Gilbert because that's when the story was reported, right?

Baron is making $16M. Would you give him $16M at the expiration of his current contract? Seriously?

No one is disrespecting Baron by pointing out the possible situation in the '08-'09 offseason.

More to the point:
Put yourself in Gilbert's shoes. Would you have put your trust in Chris Cohan and Gary St. Jean?

by OptionZero @ Golden State Of Mind on Apr 30, 2007 12:44 PM PDT reply actions

yes

First of all, Gilbert Arenas is a self-righteous douchebag. He called a god damn press conference before game 3 of his teams playoff series to brag about getting the cover of NBA 2008. Seriously, screw him. It was a stupid post to make in the heat of the playoffs, and people are dogging you for it. Oh well. Fact of the matter is that if you cut baron out of the equation we have nothing. We need the guy.

Playoffs in '07, baby! *It Happened.*

by coma @ Golden State Of Mind on Apr 30, 2007 1:20 PM PDT up reply actions

maybe

it wasn't the post that was stupid, but rather the people who can't post objectively despite the heat of the moment.

As I said, I posted it when it was reported. If you can't separate enjoy the moment now with evaluating the future, don't post.

by OptionZero @ Golden State Of Mind on Apr 30, 2007 3:33 PM PDT up reply actions

You know what's ironic?

We ALL love Baron's performance this playoff series...but his productivity is coming as a scorer, not distributor.

He's averaging about 25PPG but only about 4.4 assists per game.

Certainly NO ONE DOUBTS his passing ability, but we are winning because he is SCORING and scoring EFFICIENTLY (both inside, midrange, and 3 pt...as we ll as solid FT shooting until last night).

You know what other guard leads his team primarily with scoring that's potentially a free agent at the same time as Baron? Yup.

But hey, i'm just sayin.

by OptionZero @ Golden State Of Mind on Apr 30, 2007 4:05 PM PDT up reply actions

It's not just about "distribution"

It's about leadership -- which Baron is exuding from every pore right now.

I say this as a bit of a stat-nerd who thinks 90% of discussion of "intangibles" in sports is total BS. APG and PPG (in a small 4-game sample-size) don't come anywhere close to describing Baron's impact on these games. You have to consider the way he controls the tempo of the game, gets into the paint and breaks down Dallas's defense (I'd be curious how many "second & third-degree" assists he has); and the timing of his scoring spurts, which has been ridiculously clutch.

You're also omitting his defensive presence, which Nellie has repeatedly cited as the single biggest ingredient in galvanizing this team. Basically, he and Jax have transformed this team from a soft bunch of chuckers into a swarming decapus -- a savage, ten-armed defensive beast. That, more than anything other single factor, is why we're where we are right now.

I'll always love Arenas (a couple of my earliest diaries on this site were Odes to Agent Zero) but you gotta admit, the timing of the diary is a little strange, news story or no news story. It's like you finally get lucky with the girl you've lusted after for years, and in the heat of passion you call out the name of your ex...

by Sleepy Freud on Apr 30, 2007 5:33 PM PDT up reply actions

Arenas is not a winner.

Sorry
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laydODN6xVk

by OptionZero @ Golden State Of Mind on Apr 30, 2007 10:27 PM PDT up reply actions

Uh, yeah

That's exactly what I was saying.

Just to summarize:

Gilbert Arenas

Better shooter
More durable
Younger
Not on the Warriors
Out of the playoffs

Baron Davis

Better leader
Better floor general
Better defender
On the Warriors
In the playoffs

by Sleepy Freud on May 1, 2007 3:55 AM PDT up reply actions

Agent Zero / Option Zero

Are you guys related? That might explain a lot ... ;-)

by Sleepy Freud on May 1, 2007 3:58 AM PDT up reply actions

yes baron is that good

hes so good we all love him, but the problem is we only get that like 2/3-sometimes up to 1/2 a season cause hes always injured. I would love have both j rich and bd, but jrich other than this year barely gets hurt. Thats why we brought it up before. but maybe we can let go of some other contracts since some people are doing not so good in the playoffs. because this team is so good with baron jrich, plus one person who is playing well that night.

by 24k state fan since 87 on Apr 30, 2007 1:09 PM PDT reply actions

yup

He's a zero.

I love the Warriors. I love how this site is filled with tons of people who agree the Warriors suck, but still watch every game. I am with you.

by ThunderSesh on Apr 30, 2007 1:13 PM PDT reply actions

you're right

The healthy BD - Nelson pairing is the winning combination. Many of us, myself included, were ready to jettison Davis before they were united, 'nuff said, it's working beautifully.

But, Arenas made the right decision for himself - ask any other player what they would have done in his situation and they'd do likewise.

As for Mullin's believing Davis was the guy to build around, I'd suggest that looking closely at the fact that Mullin couldn't trade Baron and then switched coaches speaks volumes about how much faith he had.

by hardcore on Apr 30, 2007 1:50 PM PDT reply actions

"stupid post "

FoSho, As long as we're dreaming why not Baron, Jrich, SJax, Josh Howard, and Dirk Nowitzki for our starting five next year?

by Skeptic con Urquell on Apr 30, 2007 2:17 PM PDT reply actions

i wouldn't want

the biggest playoff choker (Dirk) in our starting 5

by Number22Drew on Apr 30, 2007 3:05 PM PDT reply actions

Arenas

I like him and he's a great player, but i love having a real pg in Baron. Gil can take over a game with his scoring ability, but Baron can do it on the defensive end, with scoring, and with his ability to pass. We're all well aware of his injury history, but a true point is rare these days. Maybe this is another diary in itself, but besides Baron, Nash and Kidd, what great pg's are really out there? It's actually kinda sad to see all these "scoring pg's" who don't know how to make their teammates better.

by dirrty on Apr 30, 2007 3:37 PM PDT reply actions

Listen

All I'm saying is that before Baron came to the Warriors at a time when mid-range sub-superstars were treating the GSW like we were the pre-Webber Sacramento Kings. Now that Baron is here other mid-range sub-superstars are willing to come and play for this team. I mean we got two legitimate NBA players for three alright college players in a trade with Indiana. Most superstars are brought from the ground up with their original orginization. Monta might be headed in that direction, as was JRich. Dont' bite the hand that feeds you and makes you competitive. Be thankful and reward those who are faithful - just like the fans!

by triplesix on Apr 30, 2007 4:27 PM PDT reply actions