Who's Your Favorite Warrior now?

by bloodsweatndonuts on Aug 21, 2007 4:22 AM PDT

With the Departure of Jason Richardson, Troy Murphy, Mike Dunleavy, Ike Diogu, Zarko Cabarkapa and Adonal Foyle the 2007/08 Warriors roster is going to be full of players that we have little history with as fans.

Mickael Pietrus if he stays, would be the longest tenured Warrior, followed by Andris Biedrins. That's not a whole lot of time to bond.

So now that we have a Baron, Andris, MP and a bunch of guys who have been with this team 2 years or less, who is your favorite Warrior? Not just who is the best, but the guy you really pull for because you connect with him as a fan for whatever reason.

For me it was kind of a process of elimination and the criteria is pretty much a combination of three things:

Game (includes clutch)

Personality

Intangibles: Attitude/Sportsmanship/Back Story

Based on that, I came up with this:

Andris: His game is rebounding, blocking/changing shots, scoring from really close and picking up a lot of ticky-tack fouls and the mouthing the words "C'mon man" to the refs. The thing that I like most about his game is that he knows his limitations and stays within himself. Personality and Attitude-wise, every interview I've heard he's been funny and humble. Perfect guy to root for. My new favorite Warrior.
Matt Barnes. His game is doing a little of everything: scoring, rebounding, defending, handling, hitting the three.And I love the long arms in the passing lanes and he's prven to be clutch. He's also really funny in interviews. There was an interview with Fitz and Brooks where he clowned Baron's beard for a good two minutes. The back story is great too. He'd probably be my favorite if I thought he'd be around beyond next year.
A distant 3-way tie for 3rd for various reasons:

I love almost everything about Stephen Jackson but his obsession with referees hurts the team. It bothers me that he just can't prioritize the team or his teammates above complaining about every call or non-call.

Monta's laziness with the ball handling and his odd personality kind of put me off. But he is probably the most likely to be my next favorite if he can take better care of the ball.

Baron is an amazing basketball player. A pleasure to watch. He is a superstar. I'm glad he's on the Warriors. I just don't like his personality or his attitude. Personality-wise, I don't like the way he is charming and all smiles for TNT/ESPN but is cold and hurries for the FSN post-games. It says a lot that he cares so little about us, the local fans but is willing to turn on the charm for the national audience. The attitude thing is ongoing, but the game in Seattle during the 2005/06 season where he was getting outplayed by Luke Ridnour and Baron responded by shoving him and being a punk. I think this was also after Ridnour was selected for Team USA instead of Baron. That's just weak.

I'm sure everyone has their own reasons for why someone is his or her favorite Warriors player. My question for you now that we've had so much roster turnover is:

Who is your favorite current Warriors' player/players and why? What is your criteria for a player being your favorite?

Poll

Who's Your Favorite Warrior

Stephen Jackson

16 votes

Kelenna Azubuike

18 votes

Matt Barnes

17 votes

Marco Belinelli

25 votes

Andris Biedrins

42 votes

Austin Croshere

6 votes

Baron Davis

45 votes

Monta Ellis

19 votes

Al Harrington

1 votes

189 votes | Poll has closed

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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Comments

my top3

AB -because where i m from
Matt Barnes -even if he's not perfect as player he have the attitude i like -the way you think define the way you play
....Donald Nelson -master of puppets

reason why 3rd is not Monta or BD or SJax is same as You count and
-Monta have became more mature
-SJax have to became more patient
-Baron -mmm.. he will chose hardest way if it will show him more as a star -dark side of leadership

by Lat We N Trash on Aug 21, 2007 4:49 AM PDT reply actions

with no j rich

1st- jackson - i like the emotion he brings to the court( still needs to chill out some times tho)

2nd- baron- honestly where would we be without him

3rd- beans - at first i thought he was gonna be another bench warmer but this guy has proved wrong

honorable mention - foyle - yea hes gone but to me he will always be a warrior. (gonna miss the we want foyle chants)

by sjackson1231 on Aug 21, 2007 5:14 AM PDT reply actions

my top 3

1. Marco Belinelli i love watching pure shooters play and belinelli seems like a real clutch shooter. even though i haven't seen that much of him other than summer league and youtube highlights he seems like a great player.

2.Matt Barnes. For 2 reasons one he rocked a mohawk 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rv58sCIEhRQ he was there when this happened

3.Does Jim Barnett counts? he was a player and hes associated with the warriors. i prefer listening to Jim on fsn than any other play-by-play commentator. if not Al hes a quick forward CAN beat slower forwards and centers on the dribble but he takes to much jumpshots and doesn't rebound that well for a 4 even though hes really a 3. Also rocked a mohawk earlier this year playing for the pacers

by StephenO4 on Aug 21, 2007 5:17 AM PDT reply actions

I meant "current" players

The whole point of the diary was that, because so many players have come and gone, a lot of us may have to find a new favorite player. I wanted to know who that is now and why. It's just for fun, but the intention was to include players currently on the roster.

That being said, Barnett is, in my opinion, the best color guy in the NBA and Don Nelson is the team MVP.

by bloodsweatndonuts on Aug 21, 2007 5:37 AM PDT up reply actions

ok

if you don't take MVP

then 3. is #1 (whatever they say)

by Lat We N Trash on Aug 21, 2007 6:00 AM PDT up reply actions

sorry

just wanted to give jim some credit but i did say i liked Als game except for him taking jumpshots when he could drive it in for a closer shot or lay-up

by StephenO4 on Aug 21, 2007 2:13 PM PDT up reply actions

mine are..........

1.) Baron Davis

2.) Stephon Jackson

3.) Matt Barnes

Have to wait and see marco and brandon play in nba first. But i like them to
Only person i dont like just a little bit is Austin C.
That will probly change once he's in a WARRIOR jearsy...

Best seat in the House

by kaszowski on Aug 21, 2007 5:37 AM PDT reply actions

mine

1. AB.i think improved alot more than monta so i thought he shoulda deserved the MIP award

2.Baron. We all know what hes got.(not alot left tho)

3.Auibukee. This year should be his breakout year b/c hopefullly he will have more playing time and acually show all the skills he got

by GSwarrior on Aug 21, 2007 7:04 AM PDT reply actions

Nelson, nelson, & nelson

1-2-3

it's pretty obvious that none of the rest would be as good without him - including Mullin

by hardcore on Aug 21, 2007 8:10 AM PDT reply actions

Tom Tolbert

'nuff said

Questions? Complaints?

(AIM: JetForze; email: Jon.d.ma@gmail.com)

by OptionZero @ Golden State Of Mind on Aug 21, 2007 9:29 AM PDT reply actions

werd

Stephen Jackson. Has been since they acquired the guy. He rules.

http://westcoastbiased.blogspot.com

by coma @ Golden State Of Mind on Aug 21, 2007 10:08 AM PDT reply actions

i like

the warriors as a team, not one person only.

by baller90210 on Aug 21, 2007 10:08 AM PDT reply actions

sorry

that's not an option you have to choose

by GameSix on Aug 22, 2007 2:07 PM PDT up reply actions

BD

Love his swagger and the cockiness he brought to our franchise. We were missing that for how long.

I'll take his questionable attitude along with his national-media-craving hunger because he's a good leader (usually).

by ViveAirFrance on Aug 21, 2007 10:23 AM PDT reply actions

Good Question

I used to love watching Gilbert. Then I was kinda lost. Last year I loved Monta. He is just so smooth sometimes. He can be frustrating but for a kid only a couple years out of high school he is pretty sick.

by Grandma on Aug 21, 2007 10:27 AM PDT reply actions

Mitch Richmond

as a former warrior and part of the org. Nellie and then Baron.

by streetballer on Aug 21, 2007 10:44 AM PDT reply actions

first is

marco

then....

wright!!

by MindFreeze on Aug 21, 2007 10:47 AM PDT reply actions

I know it's an obvious pick, but...

Baron Davis

by Jeremy Belvins on Aug 21, 2007 10:54 AM PDT reply actions

Screw you and your "current player" rule

MULLY
Who doesn't love a slow, lefty, no-D shooter with a flat-top? The last being the key quality that distinguishes him from Murphy.
Barnes
Summed up the Ws last year entirely: hustle, hard nosed, nice touch outside, great court awareness, with a huge helping of crazy.
Biendrins
I drafted him for my championship fantasy team, so he's here by default. Also, how often do the Ws have a credible big man who can swat a little and grab some board?
Beardo Davis
Would rank higher if his flow were better.

by leee @ Golden State Of Mind on Aug 21, 2007 11:15 AM PDT reply actions

Nice Topic

It's really hard to choose because I've become pretty attached to all these guy but for me it's like this:

1. AB - I love his attitude, I love his game, I love that he is comfortable staying within his limitations. I do miss how when he used to do interviews and his english wasn't as good as it is now every other word would be "ya' know"
"I just ya know want ya know to be ya know good player ya know for team ya know."

Most of all I love his sweet gelled hair and fake tan... actually not so much.

S Jax - For me this is a real love hate relationship. He is like that old friend that has a great heart and is a good guy but keeps making stupid choices and you just want to slap him and yell "you are better than this man!". He bring the skill set that we always wanted Dunleavy to bring plus he has that swagger.
Marco - I'm Italian American and while I'm not totally in touch with my heritage I really want to see him succeed. Plus it gives me something to talk about with my Zia (aunt). And who doesn't love a relentless chucker with no conscience. lol.

by olympicmike on Aug 21, 2007 11:47 AM PDT reply actions

BD post game

With TNT and ESPN the interviews are longer because they can be. Both channels have post game shows. FSN doesn't have a post game show, so the interviews are cut short because there is not enough time for a longer one(not because BD is cutting it short). BD always talks highly of the Warriors fans. Plus if you evey heard him on local radio you would think he rushes interviews with the local media.

by Psion on Aug 21, 2007 11:48 AM PDT reply actions

my list

BD - he's the boss. no further explanation needed.
AB - i respect his hustle and energy. one of the best big men in the league.
Monta - he's got that explosive energy that allows him to disgrace defenders on the regular.
Belinelli - he's got that golden shot. appears to be the all-around player that dunleavy was supposed to be.
Jax/TMNT/Barnes - all 3 got that fire, Jax moreso than the rest. perfect personalities for the team, just wish Jax could keep his cool when it really matters.

by JudBooshlur on Aug 21, 2007 11:57 AM PDT reply actions

I like Dirk Nowitzki

During the Dallas series, he was one of the main reasons we won!

Questions? Complaints?

(AIM: JetForze; email: Jon.d.ma@gmail.com)

by OptionZero @ Golden State Of Mind on Aug 21, 2007 12:02 PM PDT reply actions

You don't find this topic interesting eh?

by bloodsweatndonuts on Aug 21, 2007 7:17 PM PDT up reply actions

Well

AB - Biedrins or Bust to the promise land.

JAX - Has had the most impact since the trade and plays with heart.

BARNES - All around hustler easy to root for.

Side note: I'm really excited with the direction that Mullin is going with this team and core of home grown Warriors in BEANS, MONTA, AIR FRANCE BELLI and WRIGHT.

by BiedrinsORBust on Aug 21, 2007 12:04 PM PDT reply actions

My fav

Marco - I love pure shooters - I adored Peja as a King - and this guy can dunk as well.
Baron - the Dunk
Biedrins - the guy knows his limits and still puts up numbers. He was patient with the refs for 2 years and finally started getting some breaks.

by racsan on Aug 21, 2007 1:13 PM PDT reply actions

Well

If you read my Adonal Foyle Forever diary, you'd know this, but here goes.

#1. Kelenna Azubuike- I was there for his first game (Warriors @ Hornets) and the lady next to me kept calling him dookie. Reguardless, his game was anything but, and his performance was superb that night. His fierce and relentless slashing, solid shooting, and all-around heart, hustle, and hardwood made it love st first sight. This guy could become the next JRich if you let him.

#2. Stephane Lasme- This could be the next coming of Adonal Foyle. His highlights from UMass were good, and his prime rep is blocking. However, I haven't seen him play other than highlight reels, so I'm not going to put him at #1 just yet.

#3. Marco Bellinelli- Personally, I think he looks very ugly, but who couldn't love a guy who puts up shots like John Starks yet sinks them like Reggie Miller?

#4. Austin Croshere- I think he played well for Indiana, and I enjoyed watching him in the 200 NBA Finals.

Fall From Grace Award- Patrick O'Bryant- I thought I really saw something in this guy. However, every shot he's had to prove himself (aside from his game against the Clippers) has been an utter disaster. The guys has no hustle, no heart. Don't tell me he's a big man, because I've seen a big man with true passion, and that man is Adonal Foyle. Patrick O'Bryant looks like a lurch who would rather be doing some accounting.

Adonal Foyle Forever.... Member #1 of the "Bring Back Adonal" Movement!!!!

by Zorgon on Aug 21, 2007 2:57 PM PDT reply actions

my list

my criteria is solely based on who i like watching/rooting for. i don't care about their "personality" because i don't know them personally . until i meet them, i wouldn't know who's genuine and who's an a**hole. with that said...

Baron Davis - Warriors' Mr.Highlight reel(took it away from JRich). 'nuff said.
Marco Belinelli - I love shooters. Reggie is one of my all-time favorite players. I would put him #1 but I'll save it until he really deserves it. Oh, we have the same birthday. hehe
Monta Ellis - love watching this guy. #1 guy i would root for (together with Belinelli) but until he reaches his full potential/maturity he'll sit at #3 on mylist.

by lightz0ut on Aug 21, 2007 3:08 PM PDT reply actions

my guys

belinelli - he's a gunner and that's how i play when i'm on the court

biedrins - love his hustle and love the way he's improved his game

ellis - he's such an exciting player that it's hard not to like him

by AJC3317 on Aug 21, 2007 5:01 PM PDT reply actions

my fave five (three)

1- Matty Barnes- Hustle, Heart, and 'Hawk....nuff said (also heard he hates it when people wear sunglasses inside, couldn't agree with him more)

2- Al Harrington- The man is ugly, and his game is potentially uglier, but when he's on, I love watching him. Not the best player on the team by a long shot, but he always plays hard, and seems to be a real funny dude. Like Barnes is the anti- DunMurphy. Brings a no fear attitude to the game which I love.

3- B. Wright (On Potential)- I think this kid is gonna be a star. Even if Chad Ford doesn't think so. Loved watching him in college, was real excited to get him in the draft. Should be fun to watch.

Favorite All-Time Warrior- Gilbert Arenas

by BeLEGENDelliAllDay on Aug 21, 2007 5:30 PM PDT reply actions

chard ford

talks out of his ass. he was the biggest Darko Fanboy ever... look how that turned out. lol

by greenlilmofo on Aug 22, 2007 2:56 PM PDT up reply actions

# 1

THUNDER!!!!!

Thunder, Thunder, Golden State, Ho!!!

by Tim N Chris Burger on Aug 21, 2007 7:41 PM PDT reply actions

Best List Yet!

Hell yes!

Adonal Foyle Forever.... Member #1 of the "Bring Back Adonal" Movement!!!!

by Zorgon on Aug 21, 2007 8:57 PM PDT up reply actions

Here's mine

#1 - Jax in the Box - All heart baby! If they make a Jackson "the City" jersey, then i'll be the first to pick one up. Like others said, he's the anti-Dunmurphy.

#2 - Biedrins - It still amazes me to see a big man in a Dubs uni who can actually CATCH a good pass and then jam it home. His tan, hair, and interviews prove him to be hilarious as well.

#3 - Harrington - If only he had performed in the playoffs, he would've beaten out Beans for the 2 spot. The whole team seemed like a hilarious group of friends and Harrington seemed to be a very big part of that. Besides, his game was a lot of fun to watch during that regular season playoff push. He's got talent but he doesn't have the SUPERSTAR willpower and ferocity to put it all together.

#4 - Sarunas - ALL BENCH BABY! He seemed to be the third guy behind Jax and TMNH cracking the most jokes on the bench. Farewell.

#5 - BWright Future - The more I hear about this guy the more excited i get. He also seems to have an aggressive, confident streak about him that i like. Hopefully, he can keep that up when he actually PLAYS in the NBA.

This list is soooo hard to do cause i really love the players on our roster. There is virtually no one that i don't like or LOVE on the roster.