What Joe Lacob Still Doesn't Get About Golden State Fans
In beating the Cleveland Cavaliers 95-85 on Tuesday, the Golden State Warriors were reminded that A) they are not the worst team in basketball and B) the "We Believe" run was a long time ago.
Watching the super-sized version of Baron Davis ooze up and down the court made the Andre Kirilenko dunk seem like some bizarre dream, a strange time when the Warriors weren’t mired in their decade-long run of incompetence.
Baron is just the latest Golden State star to move on and fade away, meanwhile the Warriors franchise and, by extension, their fans, remain stuck in a Ground Hog day filled with failed basketball.
Coaches, players, and now owners have come and gone, but the same inherent flaws that doomed the team in 2001 continue in 2011. Whether it is Mookie Blaylock, Mike Dunleavy, or Monta Ellis, it’s like when you put on the Warriors colors (which have also changed, by the way), you instantly lose the ability to defend, rebound or play fundamentally sound basketball.
More than anything, the lack of change or accountability is what has been most frustrating about short-lived Lacob and Guber regime.
Through all the seasons of awful basketball, Warriors fans could always cling to the hope that it was all Chris Cohan’s fault (as if Cohan secretly threatened to fine any player who grabbed more than 10 boards or played competent defense). However, so far, Lacob has demonstrated through his actions and his words (highlighted by the recent “real fans” comment) the same fundamental lack of understanding that his predecessor did.
Warriors fans are smart, they know that the Lakers weren’t built in a day, but what they expect is an owner who understands the sins of the past and is working to change not only the team, but the culture of the franchise.
For example, Robert Rowell should be fired for giving Stephen Jackson that ludicrous extension. It doesn’t matter that it happened two years ago, or that he’s Bill Graham reincarnated when it comes to selling tickets. Keeping him around sends the message you are not accountable for your actions.
Larry Riley should be let go for not having a plan. You cannot sell a second-round pick in the offseason, then trade for one at the deadline and pretend that’s progress. Keith Smart is a defensive coach whose team doesn’t play defense. Either this Warriors squad shows some progress in their defensive mindset, or it’s time to start shopping for a new coach.
It may seem unfair to Lacob to hold him responsible for the sins of his predecessors, but, unfortunately, he inherited a damaged franchise and a scarred fan base.
Either he accepts this position and starts making major changes, or he risks falling back into the hole that Chris Cohan spent a decade digging.
