This is what happened to Baron.

via www.shockya.com

Some of you may not know that the Warriors missed the playoffs by a mere 1 or 2 games in the 07/08 season.

Since the Warriors missed the playoffs by such a tiny margin it is fair to say that any of the losses could be singled out as the reason for their 48 win, non-playoff season. 

Some like to point to the final month of season where the Warriors won only 3 of 9 games down the final stretch to say this is where things fell apart.  Although their final month was arguably one of the most difficult in the NBA that season.

However not every season can (or should) have a "We Believe!" finish.  This is why I have picked out a three day period from the 07/08 season that reflects the problems of the Warriors as they relate to Baron Davis. 

The days I've selected are January 19th, 20th, and 21st.

On January 19th the Warriors (coming off a nice win in Chicago) destroyed the Milwaukee Bucks 119-99 with all the usual suspects pitching in.

On January 20th the Warriors had a day off before playing the T-Wolves.

On January 21st the T-Wolves break an 18 game losing streak to beat the Warriors 109 to 108. 

So what happened on January 20th that threw the Warriors so off kilter that they could not beat a miserable team at home with a full night's rest?

Sundance happened.  On the night of January 20th Baron was here instead of resting up and preparing for the game on January 21st.  Prior to the game the announcer even mentioned that Baron had literally just flown in that afternoon.  So effectively Baron had been traveling for 2 days straight after beating the Bucks. 

What kind of numbers did Baron put up, 15p, 6ast, only 2 TO, and 3 rebounds.  Not bad, but if you had watched this game you would have seen how much of a non-factor baron was in the 4th quarter.  In fact he even looked gassed.  He had only a single assist in the entire 4th quarter, missed a layup and a three-pointer that would have won the game, and missed a foul shot that would have tied it.

As the leader of the team I hold him most accountable for not only his own decisions, but certain decisions his teammates make as well; both on and off the court.  Since obviously the chuck first mentality can have a contagious effect on the team. 

The crunch time of that game was simply ugly.  There is no doubt in my mind that Baron's decision to run off to Sundance influenced the off court decisions of his teammates.  Not only that but he was unable to take charge of the team on the court.  Decisions relative to both apply directly to the Warriors' ability to win.  Not to mention the travel contributed to baron being completely exhausted after what should have been a full day of rest.

Given that Baron actually looked gassed in this game (he had NO legs) I hold him and his Sundance antics partially responsible for the Warriors not making the playoffs that year (Jrich trade too).  He is a basketball player first and a film producer second. Therein lies his conflict of identity, although I am not able to explain that. 

I also feel that the betrayal of Rowell and Cohan deeply affected his motivations in spite of the guise of playboy "professionalism" that Baron fronts.  Baron isn't the only responsible party here.  The front office should have told Baron not to fly off to Utah.  They have every right to object, and yet they did nothing.  Same with the now expired trade exception and the minute heavy rotations.  Even with the heavy minutes that only shows how much more Baron needed that rest, but still chose to go pitch his film.

Some guy on the blogs (sorry I can't remember his name) said it best:  "Baron sure twitters a lot, but he never twitters about practicing basketball."

Do I miss Baron? Certainly.  Would I take him back?  Probably not.

By the way, Baron's jokes are bad, but Steve Nash is still funny. 

Anyways, #$%@ Elton Brand.  Much love from Warriors land.  Just thought I'd stop by and share my take (as a Warriors fan) on the decline of the The Beard. Hopefully we'll see this Baron back soon:

via bayareasportsguru.files.wordpress.com

Peace Out, and stay away from the Twinkies, cameras and fake-@$$ So-Cal people, Baron.

Don't worry, if you are a Clippers fan then I know you are for real (Yay Billy Crystal!).

Sincerely,

Nuck Chorris