Agony and tumult have long characterized the hapless Golden State Warriors, and this off-season held form. Like Andre said, “You can plan a picnic but you can’t predict the weather.” Mully and Nellie must be hearing this echo repeated as they collectively try to pick this franchise back out of the mud that has stained, even DEFINED us, for so long. With much all-too-familiar anxiety gripping long time GSW die-hards let us take a moment to , not so much on the last two years, but what waits in the uncertain future.

             Many people were hurt by the Baron situation, and talking comprehensively about the Dubs next season would not be complete unless Davis is addressed. B-Diddy is a killer, a clutch indomitable force unlike the bay has ever seen. Coming off what many would call his two defining seasons (sans the playoffs when he stomped out T-Macs’ Magic) it was an afterthought that he would be tendered a more lucrative deal, a reward for making the entire city of Dallas remember they are still the Mavericks after all. Not so fast, as the J-Rich trade proved GSW’s future is a youth movement, and Davis’ rickety history of injury was a big question mark on an already shaky resume.

              From 02-05 Barons’ games played per season was 50-67-18. Last season was the first in which he had played 82 since EARLY in his career, which was long before he was tarnished with injury and personal indifference. Even the two and half years have not been in favor for Baron, never eclipsing 43% FG and never surrendering less than 3 turnovers per game. Couple that with abysmal three point shooting, even though he insists on jacking them up constantly, and the ability to become an aloof malcontent (see Carter, Vince) that holds their franchise hostage, the sun had set on Baron in blue and gold.

            Sure we’ll miss the fire and the eye-popping plays but a five-year deal for Diddy seems as ludicrous as his free agent deal was rich. Thanks for the memories but the real strength of an NBA team is not live and die by the three. Baron showed he could penetrate but his shot selection was enough to make even Antoine Walker sick. The most important player on this roster has and will be Stephen Jackson, exhibiting long defense on the perimeter, strong three point touch and the ability to penetrate or back down most defenders. That is versatility, something our first-in-show one trick ponies have lacked top to bottom since the Dubs were playing in San Jose. So how do we assess the future now that some would say all is lost?

            Patience. Baron brought grit and it will remain in those who played along side him. In Montas’ case, he is primed to average upwards of 25 points this season, and if he handles the ball more the best case scenario only gets better. All in all, Baron only averaged 7.6 assists last year, down from the year before, and that goes to show you offensive productivity is not always predicated by the point guard position in Don Nelsons system. Baron used to speak volumes about Ellis murdering everyone in practice, and with Diddy not around his game will not be constrained by the chokehold number 5 had on this offense. Look out for Monta this year, if J-Rich was able to average upwards of 25 points a game in Oakland than there is no doubt that Ellis, his game far more complete than Richardson, could duplicate or better those statistics.

              Our draft and free agency movement this off season only shores up what looks to be the new plan: Versatility. Corey Maggette goes to the basket. Hard. He will draw fouls and give our players much needed rest in our frantic system by getting easy points from the free-throw line. Magette hasn’t been the healthiest of thoroughbreds in his career but he will give the Warriors what they’ve lacked since J-Rich’s departure. Randolf is interesting, giving those commonplace MVP performances in the Summer League we come to expect from first round draft picks. Much of the time these stars of summer either never find their way into Nellies spagetti-on-the-wall system or their skill-set fails to materialize otherwise. Brandan Wright and Randolf are both player whose athleticism are needed to add an inside focus to our strong perimeter game. Defensively, Biedrins and Turiaf give you a two-headed monster that is almost unparalleled on D. Rebounds, hopefully, won’t be our Achilles heel as it has been in years past.

             So that’s what we’re looking at, a team in transition that’s looking to improve it’s, what a familiar term, transition game. This team needed less flash and more slash and a hard-working rebounder and shot blocker to spell Biedrins. Taking the ball away from Davis and giving Ellis the rock in the spotlight may be considered and risky move by some, but that’s what being a Warrior fan is all about. Uncertainty, the reason why real sports fans watch the games they love. Cheers to the Warriors upcoming season, and as a wise man once said when he finally reached the top of the mountain: “ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!”

p.s. I wrote sometime ago a piece concerning our free agency moves before the market opened. I predicted Davis would bolt and we'd offer Arenas a max contract. Don't seem like a nutjob anymore, do I......