Baron Davis Leaves Golden State To Join LA Clippers

On Tuesday July 1, 2008, both the Golden State Warriors and the LA Clippers will begin new eras as former all-star Baron Davis opted out of the last year of his contract to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers. 

From the Clippers perspective, this type of move could have been foreseen and will greatly help this franchise.  By taking Eric Gordon with their first pick, they addressed one of their pressing needs at the guard position. 

However, with Shaun Livingston likely out for more time, they still needed a point guard.  The Clippers have been associated with the losing and having Baron on deck could help convince Elton Brand, the face of this team, to stay on board. 

This would bring the Clippers a very skilled starting lineup with Davis, Gordon, Al Thornton, possibly Brand, and Kaman.  While this lineup is a playoff contending team in the West at most, it will bring more fans to fill up the seats, which is why this move obviously helps the Clippers.

On the other side, any time a team loses their star player, management will be questioned.  However, I think this move was a strong statement that the Warriors are looking to rebuild.  Many will ask why rebuild an already young 48 win team? 

This team, although exciting, was mediocre and unguided.  Even if they somehow made the contracts fit to keep Baron, Monta, and Biedrins, this team would be only one year different from last year's team that didn't make the playoffs. 

In my opinion, teams make moves to win championships (whether it be for this year or for the future) or to fill up seats.  Oracle will be packed regardless of who plays and we could not make a move for a championship now, so by moving Baron, the Golden State Warriors are building for a championship in a couple years.

All directions point toward building around Monta Ellis for the future.  Coach Don Nelson has already stated that he plans to play the young players much more possibly meaning more Brandan Wright (who came into his own late last season), Marco Bellinelli, and possibly the two rookies. 

There has been talk of trying to develop Monta into a point guard which can happen.  He has the tools and has shown his work ethic to improve (possible two time most improved player). 

By not having to fight for playoff contention, the young players can develop better with more experience and possibly won't have the must-win pressure every game.  A losing season or two in the lottery won't hurt as the draft continues to bring extreme talents year after year. 

Without a star like Baron Davis, there is no pressure for the organization to try to make the playoffs now, thus letting our young players develop on the court and gain experience.

With the money this free agency, it would be interesting to see what the organization does with a little cap space and more coming next season. 

There have been rumors of the Warriors going for former Warrior Gilbert Arenas, which I think would be no different than resigning Baron, as you'd get a score first point guard with injury concerns.

I'd like to see Monta and Biedrins signed to long-term contracts to tie them up for at least five years. The next issue is obviously the guard position which is necessary this season. 

Unless Monta can run the point, the Warriors have no threat at the one.  Although not urgent, a point is necessary whether it be this season or next, as I do not see CJ Watson or Monta Ellis filling into the role. 

The next issue the Warriors should spend money on is their weight room.  With lanky forwards/centers as Anthony Randolph, Brandan Wright, and Andris Biedrins it only concerns a fan about what the Warriors weight room has/doesn't have.

All in all, with young talent, some cap space, and a future hall of fame coach, the future for the Golden State Warriors does in fact look bright after losing Baron Davis.