Tim Kawakami Talks to Baron Davis and BD Talks to Gabrielle Union

by Atma Brother ONE on Oct 25, 2006 10:05 AM PDT in Links Comment 21 comments

GSoM friend Tim Kawakami talked to Boom Dizzle after last night's game and mixed in some of our favorite flash analysis. Definitely check it out. The Q&A and Tim's analysis are of course great, but the best part has to be that B Diddy is cool with Gabrielle Union. That's more impressive than his stat line last night (33 points on 13-17 FG, 2-2 3pt, 5-6 FT, 13 dimes : 3 TO's, 5 boards, and 1 steal)!

Warriors fans are not only the most loyal in the league- they're the best looking!

In line with the optimism that's swept Warriors Nation, Tim offers this feel-good analysis of the BD-Nellie relationship:

It's strange, but I can see Baron and Nelson getting along very well for a long while. I don't exactly know why I feel this, but I do.

I was?probably the first guy to predict that Baron and Montgomery would?inevitably-and pretty?quickly-clash. I wrote that the day the Warriors traded for Baron. I wrote that he was a great player, but that he would not always work well with a college coach like Montgomery.

I think I was right.?Baron fights authority, but he loves it, too.?He wants to be coached by somebody who knows more than him. Montgomery was afraid to coach him, and didn't know more than him,?and that just made it worse. Nelson and Baron might jabber at each other, but?they'll understand each other. They won't tiptoe. They'll communicate.

How do you think the BD-Nellie relationship will play out this season?

UPDATE: Loyal GSoM community member johnl pointed out the great original column that Tim wrote: Davis need not be everything to Warriors

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i'm in...

i've said before that baron is a good guy...but he is (much like many of us) a very PROUD guy. sometimes when you're at his level, it's hard to deal with a coach who you don't think is pulling his weight. i'm not saying bd was right...i'm just saying that it happens to the best of us.

i'm looking forward to a good year from bd.

how about this guy as a backup, though:

http://www.viralvideochart.com/myspace/spectacular_bboy?id=688287804

by TMC Forever on Oct 25, 2006 10:19 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Damn!

That was slick

by MoUpInTheO on Oct 25, 2006 10:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

ehh

i guess its cool if your into gymnastics, nothing too fancy. Those korean bboys are the shit though...but I got all the love in the world for Remind!

by djchuckdeez on Oct 26, 2006 4:11 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

great interview

Baron is at least playing the part of the guy who wants to do his part to take this team to the next level. I feel good things for this team this year. They're due!

Big Ton

by tadams1080 on Oct 25, 2006 11:19 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Nellie VS. Baron

I really think (and hope) that they'll work well together. This is the first real coach that Baron has had in a very long time (since the firing of Paul Silas in Cha/N.O). Davis has had to deal with Floyd, Scott, and Monty last season. You could tell from his relationship with Tim Floyd (a fellow college type coach) that he was not going to get along with Monty. Tim K hit it right on the head when he stated that Baron wants someone who knows more than him and can give him that challenge.

by mightymadskillz on Oct 25, 2006 11:26 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Good pull, Atma -- but

You might want to post the companion piece, as well -- TK's column on BD this morning. Good analysis, and some trenchant quotations (well worth reading, even for the Dun-haters) from Dunleavy, who certainly understands how and why this SHOULD all play out. Indeed, apart from Dun's poor free throws last night (3-8? But he'll be around 75%, I'm sure), both played terrific games -- even though each played too long at over 40 minutes. BD seems to be getting it both intellectually and emotionally. He's backing off last year's one-man game, flying up the court, and getting rid of the ball quickly. With Dun at point forward, though, I actually expect BD to be a much better (certainly percentage-wise) scorer, since he should get a lot of open drives to the basket if he keeps running without the ball. And Dun's nine dimes last night shows how well he can set people up without taking assists away from Davis, who had 13, I think.
Certainly, BD and Dun are not close personally, but Dun's always been a team guy and BD does look like he's now trying to play a team game. So kudos to BD for responding so well (so far) to the big changes in his game that Nellie (and any fan of team ball) wants to see, and kudos to Nellie for working so deftly (so far) with BD and (finally) creating a situation where Dun's unique talents as a point forward can flourish.
Now, as to defense. . . .you can't play zone all game, but it was interesting to see Nellie play it all 48 minutes of the W's game last week, for the first time in his caching career. At least the W's should know how to play zone when the season starts.

by johnl on Oct 25, 2006 11:39 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Dunleavy

At the risk of sparking another unnecessary Dunleavy debate here's a few points I wanted to get out:

I don't buy Dunleavy as the consumate team player. He's a role player, but he's never said "Hey the team needs me to work on my jumper/ hit j's from the corner (which he refused to do last season- it might be hard dig up the article tho)/ rebound better/ move better without the ball." Instead he really seemed to want/ expect the system to adapt to him. Let's see what he can do this season. I've got an open mind.
The thing that worries me about Dunleavy is the rebounding. His 3 boards last night in 42 minutes against the Blazers aren't gonna cut it against a real Western Conference team.

Also, I really don't like Baron so much off the ball. I want him to distribute, not score. The last thing we want is B Diddy thinking he has to drop 25 a night. It'll get ugly fast. For some reason he misses a lot of easy layups too- the ball just doesn't roll in. I'd rather have JRich (who's excellent near the basket) finish some BD passes.

In my book everyone gets a clean slate this season since we have a coach who actually has a clue. Let's see what Dun and Baron can do in the regular season. It's gonna be fun.

by Atma Brother ONE on Oct 25, 2006 12:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

bd off the ball

i know what you mean...but i don't think you should think about it as a simple pass/shoot transaction.

i think the point is to try to get more movement out of our two best players.

just imagine bd cutting to the basket...getting the ball....then dishing from there.

that's a lot better than bd simply holding the ball...driving then dishing. other teams were sitting on that all year last year.

multiple passes and movement is key.

by TMC Forever on Oct 25, 2006 12:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Boy, do we like different games!

I suspect you simply refuse to see Dun's team game because he doesn't have the street skills you love so much. (See, e.g. USA BBall over the past decade; we hardly beat any TEAM anymore.) I like winning basketball. BTW, other than for Murphy drifting out to the edge, Dun has always been the only W constantly moving without the ball (tho JRich tries from time to time and Ellis shows he can) -- which is one reason why he can be such an effective driver (and can actually finish, unlike some of his more athletic -- hello MP -- teammates). As for rebounds, three IS too few, but you're obviously too young to have watched how the Run TMC team rebounded, so you don't really get Nellie's concept on team rebounding yet. Just watch for half a season and you'll see what I mean.
Finally, I know you love BD with the ball always in his hands. But that's been the death of the W's, who quickly devolve into a motionless team watching and waiting for BD to run yet another of his pick and rolls or simply to throw up another ugly three (explaining the worst shooting percentage, I'd bet, in modern history of any truly talented NBAer). And, by the fourth quarter, the defenses tighten and the pick and rolls stop working, and the W's are lost. Nellie understands BD can only help the team -- which SHOULD be his goal -- IF he plays without the ball instead of retreating to that ugly game we were forced to watch last year (when he was actually healthy).
It's stunning to me that you can't see how much better the team can be -- and BD, in particular, is -- when he plays Nellie's game. JRich will only benefit from having two passing sources. And, as I said, in a motion offense, BD will be getting the ball back and will get easier shots and just as many assists. (So you'll still see your ESPN highlights.) Bet on it. The key for him is to keep his head on straight -- and he's showing me he's smart enough to get the point.
So sit back and watch for awhile. If the guys keep playing team ball you might even get to like it, and get to like winning, too -- which is something I'll bet you've never really experienced as a W fan. IN short, don't knock what's obviously a good thing.
And how about posting TK's column?

by johnl on Oct 25, 2006 12:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

What I Love

I suspect you simply refuse to see Dun's team game because he doesn't have the street skills you love so much.

Whoa my friend! That's a pretty loaded statement. I find it amazing that you "know" I love street skills so much when I've never made that claim. I'll state it again- the team in recent memory that I've enjoyed watching the most was the Kings earlier this decade with that Princeton influenced offense. I loved the passing, cutting, movement, and great shooting. I loved the Divac-Webber passing duo. We'll probably never see anything like that again from 2 big men.

I'd appreciate it if you'd refrain from putting words in mouth or assuming what I "love".

I like winning basketball.

Haha, you think I don't? You read GSoM- you know I care about ending this playoff drought more than anything.

BTW, other than for Murphy drifting out to the edge, Dun has always been the only W constantly moving without the ball

Sorry man- I just didn't see that all last season. I saw Dun floating around behind the 3 point arc and just watching other guys move around which was pretty stupid since he couldn't knock down those wide open shots. It was extremely rare (but welcome) to see him drive to the lane, post up someone, or crash the offensive glass. I thought he looked lazy and disinterested out there.

which is one reason why he [Dunleavy] can be such an effective driver (and can actually finish, unlike some of his more athletic -- hello MP -- teammates).

Dunleavy's just not effective driver because he can't beat 90% of NBA players off the dribble which has been documented in several scouting reports around the web. I've seen him miss his fair share of open drives. We're not talking about a guy who can drive and throw it down or lay it up with ease. You're right though- MP2 can't finish- no question.

As for rebounds, three IS too few, but you're obviously too young to have watched how the Run TMC team rebounded, so you don't really get Nellie's concept on team rebounding yet. Just watch for half a season and you'll see what I mean.

Haha, normally I say it's a pretty weak argument to simply cite our difference in age as evidence for your point (I've watched/ played a LOT of basketball- so age ain't nuthin but a number), but I'm at a curious stage in my life where if someone says that I'm "too young"- I'll take it!

Finally, I know you love BD with the ball always in his hands. But that's been the death of the W's, who quickly devolve into a motionless team watching and waiting for BD to run yet another of his pick and rolls or simply to throw up another ugly three (explaining the worst shooting percentage, I'd bet, in modern history of any truly talented NBAer). And, by the fourth quarter, the defenses tighten and the pick and rolls stop working, and the W's are lost.

Good point, but I wouldn't say that's the full explanation of the Warriors downfall. When 2 of your starters (Dunleavy and Foyle) rarely show up to play, when you miss free throws on the regular, can't defend, can't shoot, and aren't aggressive you're going to lose. Let's hope some of those change this season. I think they will.

It's stunning to me that you can't see how much better the team can be -- and BD, in particular, is -- when he plays Nellie's game.

It's stunning to me that you think I don't trust Nellie. There's nothing wrong with saying I like BD distributing rather than looking to score. Just an opinion based on watching him play extensively. Doesn't mean I'm not waiting to see what will happen.

If the guys keep playing team ball you might even get to like it, and get to like winning, too -- which is something I'll bet you've never really experienced as a W fan.

Haha, once again thank you for telling me what type of game I like to watch. I'm not just a Warriors fan, I'm a hoops junkie. I follow the league intensely, so I know what winning basketball looks like. Just cause the Warriors aren't in the playoffs, doesn't mean I don't watch every playoff game with crazy enthusiasm.

IN short, don't knock what's obviously a good thing.

In short my friend, you were doing a great job with your comments, but you decided to go negative today. Please check that at the door. I'm looking forward to your usual brilliance.

Have the last word if you want. I don't think this is productive.

Always a pleasure.

by Atma Brother ONE on Oct 25, 2006 9:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not productive?

You seem to have spent an awful lot of space here in being "non-productive." All you had to do was cite Skeptic's short, pithy comment below, since that perfectly reflects your position on the kind of BBall you like to watch: just put the ball in BD's hands.
For example, there's hardly anything "loaded" about noting your obvious, and undeniable,infatuation for the terrific (but singular) highlight play, rather than for the overall picture. It shows up almost every time you write anything about BD or JRich. It's certainly the focus of your chouice of pix for the site (unless you can throw up a "funny" one of Dunleavy for jejune jollies.) If you really DID care about the "playoff drought" so much, you'd realize the way the W's have been playing since Davis joined the team has guaranteed failure on that count. His "ball in my hands, two-man game, I'll shoot the horrid three if time runs out" approach NEVER works, and is at its worst in the fourth quarter, with the game on the line. Sure, he gets a few nice drives (good for a pic or two on the site) a game -- but the result has been, predictably, and sadly, the same.
And whether Dun has a good move off the dribble is precisely NOT the point; it's whether he and Davis can run a motion defense that allows them BOTH to catch and drive. (You can kick Dun all you like for his poor shooting last year -- tho as bad as it was, it was certainly better than Davis's -- but you can't fairly kick him for not playing a team game when Davis simply wouldn't allow it. Ideally, that will change this year. You should hope that it does.) And blaming Dun for missed free throws? Really? Did you watch how badly Davis and JRich shot FT's last year? Much worse than Dun.
Hey, thanks, though, for giving me the last word. An unexpected treat. Now, if you could just hold off a bit on the Dunleavy attacks until we can see how this all unfolds in the regular season, I'd be happy to let this little contretemps slide. And here I'd thought I was the one reaching for a middle gound in saying how well I thought BD was adjusting (so far) to a new and different system and, in particular, how well he played against Portland. Guess not. Oh well.
So, finally, as to the "negativity" charge (My "don't knock a good thing" comment about how the W's seem to be playing much better team ball under Nellie?) at the end of your continuing, increasingly mystifying, attack on Dun (and me, I guess) let me simply suggest: "Physician, heal thyself." 'Nuff said.

by johnl on Oct 26, 2006 10:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

BDiddy

And before Davis met up with very lovely Gabrielle Union, who sat courtside and was waiting to talk to him afterwards. Just friends, I'm sure.

No wonder why he played so well!

by unblinded on Oct 25, 2006 1:57 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Things are looking good.

Nellie has Davis and Dun working together. Davis to bring it up with the quick decision and Dun for the half court. Keep Dun and Murph outside so JRich and Davis can wreck havoc near the hoop without the other teams bigs around. Davis and Dun are looking like a poor man's Nash/Diaw. I agree that last year Davis was trying to do too much and handle the ball too much. And if we aren't going to have Dun handle the ball (his real strength for his size) what's the point of him even playing. Things are looking up.

by bol on Oct 25, 2006 2:50 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Gabby?

yep, BD had MAJOR incentive last night. Nice Baron....real nice.

Let's Go Oakland! Gas, Brake, Dip.

by OaktownFunk on Oct 25, 2006 3:40 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Is it worth the pain?

"The thing that worries me about Dunleavy is the rebounding. His 3 boards last night in 42 minutes against the Blazers aren't gonna cut it against a real Western Conference team.
Also, I really don't like Baron so much off the ball"

Yo Atma, The thing that worries me is that I might have to spend all season watching dunleavey handle the ball! I'd rather watch Baron, sometimes how you play the game is more important than winning!!
Do you think nellie got orders that part of his job was to try and make drafting dunleavey look smart? Seems like there are a lot of other possible combinations that could've kept the ball in Baron's hands more ??

by Skeptic con Urquell on Oct 25, 2006 8:49 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I kid you not

Do you think nellie got orders that part of his job was to try and make drafting dunleavey look smart?

I've heard something to that effect. Not so much the pick, but the player and contract.

by Atma Brother ONE on Oct 25, 2006 9:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

nellie is nobody's fool

so...would you be pissed if nelson was able to make dunleavy look good for a few weeks and then trade him for somebody worth more than a ham sandwich? nellie has enough weight to not care about the past. his only option with dunleavy is to boost him up and a) hope he rises to the challenge or b) get as much trade value as he can for him. as of today, what is lost with that strategy? nellie will adjust the strategy as necessary to make the team win. trust him.

also, this "ball in dunleavy's hands" is not so black and white. it's not like he's gonna be running around the court like curly neal from the harlem globetrotters for 20 seconds before hoisting a shot. trust nellie. this is a way to accomplish a couple of things:

set a general tone that bd doesn't have to have the ball at all times and that everyone is responsible for passing and moving
occupy dunleavy's defensive assignment away from the basket so it's a lot more clear for the others to do their thing

don't worry...bd will be handling the ball plenty! and it's gonna work.

by TMC Forever on Oct 26, 2006 10:19 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs