I'm 24 years old and have been following the Warriors ever since I can remember.  I am a die hard of the die hard and am sitting here in complete shock today as news trickles down about the departure of Baron Davis.  I rarely write/post on here but I feel compelled to write some thoughts down about Baron Davis as his Golden State career comes to an end.

Baron was the heart, soul, and savior of the Golden State Warriors.  He was so beloved and captivated everyone with his passion on and off the court.  He made us all believe and took our doormat laughing stock of a franchise to the most exciting, hi-octane machine in the league.  He not only captivated Northern Californians, but he captured the entire nation with the Dallas series.  Everyone in the country, except Dallas fans, had the Warriors in a special place in their heart in the 07 playoffs and we were America's team for that brief moment in time.  Baron Davis' electric and  infectious personality/determination on the court were so awe inspiring that we actually became a hot trend and sports darling.  Snoop Dogg/Jessica Alba/Owen Wilson?  Who would have thought that it would ever have been cool to become a Warriors fan?

I still remember the day I was watching ESPN hotlist and saw a breaking news update from  Marc Stein as he reported that the Warriors and Hornets had reached a deal that would send Diddy to the Dubs for Dale Davis/Speedy Claxton.  I knew back then how big of a deal it was to bring in Baron Davis and it was the first day that I really started Believing.  It is only fitting that Marc Stein broke the story today of Baron's departure and as I sit here writing this, I feel like this wasn't the way it was supposed to be.   This breakup happened too suddenly/quickly and has made me lose  faith in all the work Mulson has done in bringing this squad back to respectability. 

I will never know how good we could have actually been.  I feel like our team was extremely starcrossed and our timing was destined for failure.  I will always wonder what could have been if we had gotten that star power forward.  I feel like Mully/Nelson were so close to putting together the finall pieces and were one good luck deal away from being real title contenders.  Now everything seems to have been destroyed and the divine plan has crumbled.  How can Nelly come back if we are in rebuilding mode?  He wouldn't let Wright/Belinelli see the floor last year and wants to win before he retires.  This opt out has singlehandedly stuck a dagger in our plan.

Baron got out of dodge quickly.  There must have been more to the benching at the Phoenix game that Nelly didn't divulge to the fans.  This can't be all about more years.  As a fan, I feel like I deserve to know what happened, but realistically realize that I may never know the answers as we all know how good Nelson is at being elusive and deceptive with the media.

I feel like the Warriors are not  prepared to deal with this bold statement by Baron.  They never thought he would walk and are now stunned that the heart and soul has left, taking the hopes of Bay Area basketball with him.  Not only did he walk, but he walked to a division rival where we will have the honor of seeing him 4 times a year and he will dominate us just like he does the Hornets and any other team that gives him reason to have a chip on his shoulder.  Baron has his star power forward now.  He has his weapons.  We know how dangerous he can be, but with a full arsenal, he's going to be flat out scary.

I haven't let this all digest and sink in yet.  I want more answers and am waiting to see what type of moves we make in the coming weeks.  I know that Mully must be scrambling right now.  He was scheduled to be a guest on the Razor and Mr. T today but canceled.  Today marks the end of an era, but how can it be a better beginning?