Monta Ellis, Stephen Jackson Signal Rough Road Ahead

It looked like the Dubs had a chance at something.

Despite the loss of their bearded leader, Monta Ellis emerged as a young and promising hope for the franchise—there was reason to be slightly excited for the next few years.

That hope, however, was shredded along with Ellis’ ligament as it became the usual business for the beleaguered Warriors. Everybody believed, though, that they turned a corner. There might be fewer players getting massive injuries after signing big deals and there might be fewer boneheaded choices by the premising pillars of the team’s future.

Now, with the swirling rumors and innuendo that Ellis' injury may not have come playing basketball like he originally said, another layer is put onto this. Not only is he hurt, but he may well have lied about how he got injured.

With a single point guard on the roster, the Warriors are back to where they were earlier this offseason.

The difference, however, is that with Ellis the question was, "Can he run the point?" With the newly acquired Marcus Williams it becomes: "How the hell is a no-defense, low-percentage shooting, turnover prone point guard the only option for this spot?"

With all of this, arrives Stephen Jackson asking for a contract extension, ultimately putting this team back where it was during the late '90s—slowly sinking into one of the larger messes in the NBA. (At least the New York Knicks are there to absorb the impact at the bottom.)

Jackson, Sorry, but a Contract Extension Should Not Be in the Cards

Jackson is a wonderful player. He is clutch, plays defense, and is a real leader on the team. He has some flaws, but that is not the reason why he shouldn’t get that extension.

The first factor is that there is not that much of a market for Jackson. He is thought of as a hot head and isn’t quite the game changer that would warrant big money. Still, with Corey Maggette’s contract anything is possible.

Furthermore, throw out the fact that he won’t be the second best player on a good team. The third best is possible and the fourth is more likely. Why should he get big money for being a good part of a middle of the road team?

Jackson is earning more than $7 million in each of the next two years. In his time in Oakland, he has probably outperformed the terms of his deal. This, however, is not a reason to overpay him over the next few seasons.

Chris Mullin Has Done a Good Job of Not Freaking Out

He didn’t drop a pile of money into Jackson’s hands while not throwing cash at a mediocre free agent point guard. Criticize his signings all you want, but he’s handled these last few weeks relatively well.

What's Next?

As fans, we are entering a period of uncertainty for the Dubs. With all their youth, something positive could occur down the road. This season, however, already looks tumultuous.

As of now, the mess once known as the Golden State Warriors may be making a comeback.