Golden State Warriors in Need of Malpractice Claim

The Golden State Warriors and fans of, like me, are feeling pain all over.  With little relief in sight, it's time for a shout-out.   IS THERE A DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE?

A 5-13 start.  Phew.  Ghastly.  Tonight's returning home loss after winless road trip hurt particularly for a team that desperately needed a rebound.  Makes a 30-win season seem like the impossible dream. 

Where did this season go wrong?   It wasn't Jamal Crawford's missed shot at the end of overtime against a sub-.500 Miami Heat, on his home debut, at the end of a 40-point effort.  It may have been Monta's moped racing spill in Georgia.  It may have been Al Harrington's refusal to play.  (No!)

It may have been the departure of Baron Davis, failure to sign Brand, and getting Maggette instead.  Offseason moves for Marcus Williams—bust.  Overall, it's been going wrong before it even started going wrong—Ronny Turiaf partially excluded.

As the season dwindles into early December, barely a month old, I'll try to remain positive as the losses start coming.  I'm having trouble convincing others.  Case in point, I was watching one road game last week and praying for a good third quarter, with my astute understudy of five years old (going on six) noted, "Dad, the Warriors are really bad.  The players should go back to college."

"If only that could be true, son."

And, no one can point fingers—there's been issues from player to management to ownership on this wrongward bus.    Sure, there may be other good teams to compare—Charlotte: 6-11; Memphis 4-13; Minnesota 4-12; Sacramento 5-14.  Whoops, did I just say "good" teams? 

Look at top-caliber teams and you can see the magic five-part formula:

1. A standard starting lineup (that you can trust)

Nellie likes to mix it up and hey, that's fun.  It's not fun when it becomes meaningless.  i.e. No matter which five you pick, they'll score at least 25 points in the first quarter, but they might give up 40 points to their opponent.

2. A center who can play with their back to the basket

Ookay, so that's somewhat old school ala Moses Malone.  But, when I think about San Antonio and Boston, I get center-envy.

3. A big man who can nail an outside jumper

Andris "Trade Bait" Beidrins has shown amazing promise, but on one and only one option—the pick and Nellie roll.   He can't post-up anyone, hit an outside shot, or spend the evening at the free-throw line—unless you want a good chuckle.

4. A second-half team

The half-time score in the NBA is indication of nothing.  These guys can score so many points, but it's all about being a second-half team and finishing mopping the floor when you go up by five with five minutes to go.  Must-win situations.  The Warriors' best position is to be down 10 with eight minutes to go.   Then, they finally get motivated.

5. A go-to great one when the game's on the line

All the championship teams have one.   No explanation needed.

The Warriors also lack one of those trusty veterans to control/pace/mentor at player level.  Not one to expect production from, but just help the team maintain.   It's just not in the Warriors' blood lines, as they live by chaos.  It's exciting, out of your seat (er, lazy boy, 'cause the games are too expensive), fist-pumping action—when it's happening.   

But right now, the "We Believe" posters are gone.  Or, could just be replaced with "We Believe—We Deserve Better."  And, the better likely means a good, hard look at who's managing player personnel and coaching this team.  The Nellie-Mully Show will likely be over before the season's over.