The Golden State Warriors have long been the epitome of modern basketball excellence, with four championships in eight seasons under the leadership of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. Yet, after a dismal showing last season that saw them barely scrape into the NBA play-in tournament, the team is facing an identity crisis. With Thompson now a Dallas Maverick and a gaping hole in their lineup, the Warriors are searching for answers—and a surprising name has emerged as a potential solution. Enter Baron Davis, the former Warriors point guard who famously led the 2006-07 “We Believe” team to an electrifying playoff run. Now 45, Davis is making headlines by suggesting that he could once again don the Warriors jersey. Speaking on The Draymond Green Show, Davis boldly claimed, “I’d make the team. I can make the Warriors. You ain’t seen a fat point guard?”
.@BaronDavis tells @Money23Green he can make the Warriors team next year 🤣 pic.twitter.com/S6mnAKXzqe
— The Volume (@TheVolumeSports) August 10, 2024
Davis’ remarks, half-joking and half-serious, have sparked a wave of controversy and speculation. Can a 45-year-old who’s been out of the league for over a decade seriously compete in today’s NBA? And more importantly, should the Warriors even entertain the idea?
Draymond Green, never one to shy away from a tough conversation, humored Davis but pointed out the obvious. “You gotta get in some shape,” Green responded, not ready to concede that Davis could contribute at the level required in the NBA. While Green’s comment was delivered with a laugh, it underscores the significant hurdles Davis would face in a comeback.
It’s no secret that the Warriors’ roster is in need of reinforcements, particularly with Thompson’s departure. The team still boasts the league’s best point guard in Steph Curry, who is set to return for his 16th season. But with the addition of younger guards like Gary Payton II, Brandin Podziemski, and De’Anthony Melton, Davis’ path to a roster spot seems nearly impossible. Despite this, Davis’ confidence—self-described as “baby Luka,” a nod to Luka Doncic—raises an interesting question about the state of the Warriors and the broader NBA.
Baron Davis, who played for the Warriors from 2005-2008, was part of a high-octane team that captured the imagination of basketball fans. Under Don Nelson, the “We Believe” Warriors pulled off one of the greatest upsets in NBA history by defeating the top-seeded Dallas Mavericks in the 2007 playoffs. The nostalgia of that era, combined with the Warriors’ current struggles, makes Davis’ proposition tantalizing for fans longing for a return to the glory days. But nostalgia doesn’t win games.
In the meantime, the Warriors are facing a new chapter. Klay Thompson’s decision to join the Dallas Mavericks has left a void that goes beyond the stats. His departure marks the end of an era, leaving Curry and Green to carry the torch. Green, who has often been the heart and soul of the Warriors, has made it clear that he harbors no ill will toward Thompson. “The reason I’m happy he’s gone is because he wasn’t happy no more. As a brother, I only want what’s best for you,” Green said on the *Club 520* podcast.
The Warriors are in a transition period. Veterans like Curry and Green will be called upon to step up in Thompson’s absence, but the team also has promising young talent. Jonathan Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins have shown significant growth, while Brandin Podziemski is quickly becoming one of the league’s top shooting guards. The question is whether this blend of experience and youth will be enough to keep the Warriors competitive in a tough Western Conference.
Baron Davis’ suggestion of a comeback might be little more than a pipe dream, but it speaks to the larger issue at hand: the Warriors are at a crossroads. Can they adapt and evolve without the core trio that brought them so much success? Or will they find themselves leaning on the past, hoping that a former hero can somehow turn back the clock?
Comments