Waving Good-Bye To a Pseudo-Era Out West

by Steve Weinman on Jul 2, 2008 7:59 AM EDT in NBA Articles

A Daily Babble Production

A short-lived era is ending, and it looks to be a rough break-up for all parties involved.

As many of you are already no doubt aware, the Los Angeles Clippers netted the first major catch of the free agency season (Gerald Green notwithstanding) in point guard Baron Davis.

Alas, by virtue of one of the sillier by-laws of the league's collective bargaining agreement, this means that the Baron can no longer be a Golden State Warrior.

Given what fans across the league won't be seeing anymore, I can't help but feel a bit bummed out by this.

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Baron Davis wasn't just the Warriors' best player. He was the heart and soul of Nellieball.

Don Nelson's system in Oakland didn't just work simply because Nellie rolled the ball out and let the fellas play. It came together because Nellie found that he had a nearly ideal floor general for the system.

In Davis, Nelson found a guy with the speed, aggressiveness and headiness to make plays in the open court. Davis loves to get up and down the floor, and he possesses both the scoring ability and passing vision to be consistently effective in a fast-paced offense.

Davis is one of the top-rebounding point guards in the league (his 4.7 per game led non-Jason Kidd points last year), which often allows him to create his own fast breaks and take the ball coast-to-coast. His sturdy 6-3, 209 pound physique allows him to absorb contact very well on his way to the hoop.

Davis did everything Nelson asked of him, and while it didn't result in championship-level basketball, it did bring a previously morbid Golden State franchise back to respectability (a first-round upset of a number one seed in 2006-07 and 48 wins in 2007-08), and it made the Warriors the league's most exciting team to watch. There is no question that this team won't be the same without him. Taking nearly 22 points and 8 assists out of the lineup generally leaves a mark, but beyond that, the Warriors are now likely without a lynchpin.

Much as nazzbo and I love him, Monta Ellis is the sort of combo guard that is best suited to be playing at the two with occasional stretches running the offense. He isn't anywhere near the creator that Davis is, and even if the Warriors pay up big-time to keep Monta, the void at the top of this offense will be huge. It takes a special player to push such a free-wheeling offense to success, and Davis was that player in Golden State. This team could be searching for quite some time for a way to replace him.

But it was a two-way street as far as the benefits of the Nellieball-Baron relationship were concerned. The system was great for the Baron as well as it allowed him to be a creator in the truest sense of the word -- he seemed to have complete reign to drive the offense as he saw fit. Davis has never been particularly efficient in his scoring, and playing in a system that valued more possesssions and quicker possessions rather than slow-down precision was a boon for him. He was able to take more risks offensively, and as it turned out, the frenetic pace actually benefitted his own personal efficiency, because he wound up getting more open looks for himself via the constant breaking. Davis shot two of the three highest percentages of his career from the floor (43.9 and 42.6) over his two full seasons in Golden State, and he put up what are easily the two best true shooting percentages of his career (53.0 and 52.3) in that time as well. Davis' per-minute production reached new highs during his stint in fast-paced Golden State, and he was able to excel in the open court, opening up countless lay-ins for cutting teammates and good looks from behind the arc on kick-outs.

Furthermore, Nellie's system also made great value of Davis' skills on the defensive end of the floor. He isn't a great on-ball defender by any means, but the Warriors demonstrated time and time again that they weren't all that concerned about playing particularly efficient team defense in general. Davis is, however, remarkably good at sneaking around the weak side to double big men in the low post and to cause the deflections and steals that start fast breaks. He is a good gambler and gets his hands in the passing lanes with regularity. He did an excellent job in help in the Golden State system.

It isn't a coincidence that the best basketball of Davis' career to date has been played in Oakland. While prospects for the immediate future are certainly looking up more for him (likely playing with Elton Brand in LA) than they are for his former team (Nellieball sans Baron), it wouldn't be a shock to see Davis' overall production, efficiency levels and overall dynamic play drop a bit in his new home. That's not an intimation that he won't be very good for the Clips -- here's guessing he certainly will be if healthy -- but simply that there may be just a slight drop-off for him that comes courtesy of leaving the Golden State situation.

Finally, it is we the fans who could be the biggest losers of all. The Warriors graced us for the last two years with one of the most crazily enjoyable styles of basketball we've seen in quite some time. For non-Warriors fans, it was a perfect situation. We didn't get wrapped up enough into the results to start ripping our hair out on nights when the frantic play was heading in the wrong direction, but it was always a pleasure to watch the excitement simply as an outside observer.

I've still got faith that Don Nelson will find a way to keep the entertainment level (if not the wins count) high in Oakland, and there's no doubt that the Brand-Davis combination could make for some watchable ball in Los Angeles. But for now, we still wave a sad good-bye to the days of the Nellie-Baron combo in Golden State. Thanks for keeping us on the edge of our seats, fellas.

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Comments

Davis has pretty much waved good-bye to the playoffs, not that things were much better at Golden State. The Clippers are a black hole. They’re not going anywhere in the next couple years. By that time, Davis will have returned to his out-of-shape play, and then injuries.

by amenhotep04 on Jul 2, 2008 9:14 AM EDT reply actions

Davis and Brand wiill be a nice combo. If the kept Maggatte…

by NothinButNet on Jul 2, 2008 9:16 AM EDT reply actions

I dunno:

Kaman, Brand, Thorton, SG TBD, Davis is solid.

I’m not sure how good Gordon from Indiana is, but they can throw Tony Allen in there and be a good team. It would be great if they were able to keep Livingston, as he’d get to play off the bench in less minutes while he continues to heal, and he’d get to play both guard spots, which is good experience. They should be able to sign some vet minimum guys to round out a decent bench. I think Dunleavy is a weakness – but maybe he can pull a Doc.

by Brendan on Jul 2, 2008 9:36 AM EDT reply actions

Brendan,

I think they’re building a nice core and that they’re going to be a good team — agreed with you about that. But I don’t know that they’ll be as fun for third-party observers as the GSW groups was. Wackiness just abounded.

-sw

by Steve Weinman on Jul 2, 2008 9:45 AM EDT reply actions

Seems like it might be a good time for the Warriors to make a run at Raymond Felton, in the wake of the Bobcats drafting Augustin. Do you think he would be a good fit in Golden State? Can the Warriors make a good offer to get him?

by EZ Ed Pinckney on Jul 2, 2008 9:49 AM EDT reply actions

Davis is notorious for his refusal to run plays designed by his coaches. So I highly doubt that he did everything that his coach asked of him. He is a tremendously gifted point guard, but let’s be real.

by footey on Jul 2, 2008 9:54 AM EDT reply actions

Hmm…now that’s an interesting thought, EZ Ed. As you may have noted previously, I’m a Felton fan, and I love his quickness up and down the floor. He can really push it, and I wonder how much playing for Nellie would help his game. I definitely like that as an experiment.

As for having the means to obtain him…I’ll have to think about that a bit (where is Who on this? The master of logistics would be helpful here…).

But definitely a solid suggestion; thanks for bringing it up EZ Ed.

-sw

by Steve Weinman on Jul 2, 2008 9:55 AM EDT reply actions

Fair enough, footey — guess I should have said that he ran this offense about as well as Nellie could have expected him to. I think he did a great job in that regard.

-sw

by Steve Weinman on Jul 2, 2008 9:55 AM EDT reply actions

i saw baron play in new orleans. he was good but hurt and was as you describe, superior in nellie ball.monta is not the distributor that baron is but we will see what else this multi-talented man can do when asked.

by nazzbo on Jul 2, 2008 10:12 AM EDT reply actions

LAC also has expiring contracts in the key year of 2010 in Thomas (5 million) and Mobley (9 million.) They could theoretically vastly improve their bench by using these two deals and penciling in Gordon as a starter.

In terms of Felton to Golden State – first we’ll have to see what happens with Gilbert Arenas – aren’t their reports that GState offered him Max money? The real losers in all of this are the Wizards (well if you think Arenas was worth keeping.) They signed Jamison for more money than he is worth, presumably to help keep Arena, and now they lose Arenas to GState? Maybe they can work out a sign and trade a recoup that value, as Arenas seems like a guy who wants the max cash.

by Brendan on Jul 2, 2008 10:20 AM EDT reply actions

Brendan,

Most rumors right now seem to be pointing to Arenas accepting something in the range of $125-$127 million to stay in DC, thus turning down the GS offer. That’s at least what I’ve been reading to this point. As you said, they really made a concerted effort to lock up Jamison for Arenas’ benefit, and I don’t see them letting him walk.

But in fairness, these speculations change from day to day…so one never really knows until the contract is signed.

-sw

by Steve Weinman on Jul 2, 2008 10:24 AM EDT reply actions

I kind of hope Arenas walks. Signing Jamison, at age 32 for that much money, is such a bad move, that it deserves to be punished :) Anyways – the Wiz as constituted seem to be a second round and out type of team. Sure they could go on a run where they hit all their jump shots, not unlike the 2002 Celts, and make it deeper, but the odds are against it. That’s what you get for changing your team name from the Bullets.

As for GSW – I wonder how Arenas would do in Money ball? He seems like the grass is greener type of guy, and Nelson saying “you could score 50 a game here” might be enough to pull him over.

by Brendan on Jul 2, 2008 10:37 AM EDT reply actions

Moneyball, eh? I think you may be mixing up your Oakland teams on this one, good sir ;D

Billy Beane would be proud to get some love here, though, I’m sure.

I think the comparison to the ‘02 Celts makes a lot of sense. These guys could definitely surprise a better team in the playoffs at some point, but I can’t see them winning four rounds as constructed. Which — knowing me — means they probably will :o

-sw

by Steve Weinman on Jul 2, 2008 10:42 AM EDT reply actions

The Death of the Golden State Warriors

How many years until they get back to the playoffs now? Another 12 years without a playoff series? What’s the over/under right now? I’m going with at least 5 years.

Mully just put his rear end on the firing line. He best have an excellent recovery plan.

by Who on Jul 2, 2008 12:05 PM EDT reply actions

Raymond Felton is a worse point guard than Monta Ellis. There’s no point in adding him to the roster, he simply doesn’t bring anything to the table that the Warriors need. Ellis has shown more ability in running his own team than Felton has.

Don Nelson will be the next to leave. The question is does he finish next season or leave prior to th season? Does he leave this summer? Just walk away? He’s looking at a 30 win roster now. Why stay? Hand the key to Keith Smart and let him take over the show? He should. Wonder what he’ll do next. It’ll be interesting what he says in the press over the coming days/weeks.

Stephen Jackson will be heartbroken. Al Harrington too. They’re back in Atlanta all over again. They remember what that was like the last time they were in this type of hole, they’ve always said they never want to go through that again.

Monta Ellis just got handed the keys to the franchise. It’s no longer good enough to be a young talented guard. He has to step up and be an All-Star level player at the least. He also has to learn how to play the point but it was always going to be that anyway. He’s the franchise player, the face of the organization, the hopes of the fans. It’s all on his shoulders and he isn’t ready.

Contract extensions are on the table and Mullin has an awful job right now. How much is Monta Ellis worth? Max contract? Not really no. 12mil per year? 10mil per year? How about Biedrins? Biedrins is worth about 5-6mil per annum on current ability. He’ll be looking for Nene/Dalembert/Chandler/Kaman money around 50-60mil over 6 years. How much are you willing to pay him for his potential when he hasn’t improved in 24 months?

Those two free agency decisions are potential killers to Mully’s management career in GSW. Funny how 12 months ago he was one of the saints in basketball, a potential franchise saviour for the Knicks … and now all anyone can think of is the litany of mistakes he made in the past combined with the mistakes of today.

by Who on Jul 2, 2008 12:17 PM EDT reply actions

yeah, but now it looks like they’ll have a TON of cap space!

I’m kind of kidding, kind of not. Cap space doesn’t win titles, but it does give you a lot to work with.

Right now they could trade a future 2nd rounder for Vince Carter straight up and the Nets would fall over themselves to do it. Not saying that’s idea, just one example of what they can go out and do right now.

by Jeff Clark on Jul 2, 2008 12:44 PM EDT reply actions

There’s a wild card in all of this and his name is Marco Belinelli. He’s the guy the watch. He’s the only young unproven player on the roster capable of making big things happen as soon as next season. He’ll have his shot at taking over at shooting guard next year. The Warriors will be desperate for someone who can score the ball and he might be able to do that.

Brandon Wright should start and be decent but I don’t see him being a difference maker next year. He doesn’t have the offensive ability or the defensive ability for that. He’s a role player at this point in his career. What he can do is be an energizer bunny on the court, grab rebounds, block shots, run the court, get a few dunks. That type of stuff.

Does Anthony Randolph get any significant court time as a rookie? Probably not.

by Who on Jul 2, 2008 12:46 PM EDT reply actions

I don’t think GS is a team to watch for at least a couple of years. Unless they make several big splashes, they’ve been easily surpassed in talent and/or potential by two teams – Portland and the Clippers – that didn’t even make the playoffs last year, and they already had 8 teams ahead of them out west. They’re now closer to the T-wolves-Sonics-Grizzlies group than they are to the Lakers-Spurs-Hornets-Jazz group.

One thing I want to know: “Alas, by virtue of one of the sillier by-laws of the league’s collective bargaining agreement, this means that the Baron can no longer be a Golden State Warrior.” What bylaw are you talking about?

My take on this story is: Baron had an opt out clause for this year. He wanted a long-term contract signed, which makes sense because while very skilled, he’s had injury problems so longterm security would be important to a guy like him, and he wants to win. Golden State refused to offer him good value for a contract extension. By all accounts, Mullin is a total tightwad. He doesn’t pay to bring better players in – they just let a huge trade exception expire so they didn’t have to take on more salary. The only guy they made a big offer to was a guy playing Baron’s position. They showed no interest in putting a winning team around Davis, and they wouldn’t give him a longterm deal. LA did both those things, giving him 5 years and $65 million, and teaming him up with one of the best power forwards in the game in Brand and some up and coming talent in Kaman, Thornton and Gordon. It looks that simple to me.

But what’s the bylaw you’re referencing? Is there more to this than it seems to me?

by paintitgreen on Jul 2, 2008 4:33 PM EDT reply actions

No, there’s a lot less — it was a (poorly constructed, apparently) joke :D. If he’s a Clipper, he can’t be a Warrior. The league doesn’t seem to allow players to be employed by multiple franchises at once — that’s all I was saying; my apologies for the confusion 8)

-sw

by Steve Weinman on Jul 2, 2008 4:56 PM EDT reply actions

Did no one else remember that Davis went out partying the night before the final playoff game…..? The team fell behind early……Nellie let the subs in; getting the game close for the last five minutes and refused to put Baron back in.
Didn’t we see that writing on the wall?
God bless Nellie for the balls to discipline a recalcitrant player.

by JB_Celticsstuff on Jul 2, 2008 6:02 PM EDT reply actions