Photo. Time TadderThe crew at the great Warriors blog Golden State of Mind have posted their response to the Baron Davis All-Star snub and included some evidence to back up their argument:
But make no mistake Baron Davis deserved to be on the 2007-2008 Western Conference All-Star team. Plain and simple, he was snubbed. Everyone knows it.
It has to be fairly insulting to him, his people, his teammates, the Warriors organization and their fans, and hoops junkies paying the least bit of attention all know that Blazer guard Brandon Roy shouldn’t have got in ahead of Boom Dizzle. Don’t get it twisted- Roy’s a very good player and the Blazers have had a phenomenal season thus far (even if they end up missing the playoffs in the loaded West too), but he’s not an elite player and simply isn’t in BD’s class. He probably never will be either.
Take a look at the numbers:
Baron Davis: 22.3 ppg, 8.1 apg, 4.8 rpg, 2.5 steals, 0.6 blocks
Brandon Roy: 19.3 ppg, 5.6 apg, 4.5 rpg, 0.9 steals, 0.2 blocks
The Warriors (28-19) have a better record than the Blazers (26-19), so the team success argument (which by the way is a curious way to justify an individual honor) really has no merit.
Feel free to quote me on these anytime:
* If the Suns swapped Steve Nash with Baron Davis they would win it hands down. You lose some shooting ability, but you gain stellar defense (actually someone who actually plays defense), more athleticism, even more scoring, and loose nothing in terms of passing (BD would average double digit dimes if he had Amare and Marion too) and hoops IQ.
* Baron Davis is not only having a better season thus far than Brandon Roy (no question), he’s having a better one than Steve Nash (BD’s got more points, rebounds, steals, plays with a much lesser talented team and actually plays defense as alluded to above).
* An NBA All-Star game with Baron Davis is much more fun to watch for the fans and better for the league ratings than a game with Dirk Nowitzki, Brandon Roy, Carlos Boozer, and David West (great to see West get in by the way- most underrated player in the league). Boom Dizzle’s got game, style, flash, charisma, intelligence, and is a quality guy.
* Had to sneak this last one in- during last night’s incredibly impressive Warrior win over the Hornets, the New Orleans crowd acted like fools by booing Baron Davis. It’s funny how they finally show up to a game and decide to make the place slightly louder than a library- and they boo a guy who showed that community so much love. Don’t forget Baron pitched in $50,000 for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts and helped organize a fundraiser with orange “Call For Help” Bracelets. He rolled the wheel at Wheel of Fortune and donated an additional $22,000 as well. Have some class New Orleans Hornets fans (yes, all two of you!).
Thoughts? Davis is clearly having an amazing season, and has a legit gripe abut not being selected, but we can’t really agree with the Steve Nash argument.
The post goes on to rationalize why Baron’s snub is actually great news for the team and their fans. You can see the full post HERE.
February 1st, 2008 at 10:53 am
dept of redundancy dept says:
fans who don’t care don’t boo
February 1st, 2008 at 10:59 am
smity says:
that blog post was nicely written. makes me want to go back there often to read what has to be said
February 1st, 2008 at 12:05 pm
reidd says:
the blog has a point, roy should not have been picked over boom dizzle. but the nash arguement is just ridiculous. its flat out saying that baron davis is just as good of a passer as steve nash which is just wrong. would u trade cp3 for boom dizzle though?
February 1st, 2008 at 12:07 pm
Abe504 says:
Baron Davis is really not good enough to be an all star,
Brandon Roy puts up almost his numbers in only his 2nd season in the NBA. Baron Davis has been in the league how long and he’s just now started to put up good numbers, yea not snub, not good enough to be an all-star is more like it.
February 1st, 2008 at 12:14 pm
Myrie says:
I like BRoy, but I would have selected Baron Davis over him (if the voting came down to those two). CP3 had to make it, Nash had to make it for conspiracy reasons (we get into those, but we all really know)…
So I guess it came down to: Tony Parker, Deron Williams, Steven Jackson, Manu Ginobli, Baron Davis and Brandon Roy.
Because the Blazers have shocked the league, there had to be at least 1 allstar to represent the team. So, I suppose that is what it came down to.
But Baron Davis should have made it as a reserve.
February 1st, 2008 at 12:27 pm
hahaha says:
YOU ARE NOT ONLY BYAST BUT JUST PLAIN OLD STUPID IF YOU THING BD IS BETTER THAN NASH. YOU SHOULD BE FIRED AND NEVER ALLOWED TO WRITE ABOUT OR EVEN WATCH BASKETBALL EVER AGAIN FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE SIR. YOU ARE A COMPLETE BUFFOON.
February 1st, 2008 at 12:33 pm
sam says:
baron not in the asg is the greatest travesty of justice in the history of mankind (maybe)
February 1st, 2008 at 12:34 pm
control says:
The post brings up a good point about him being picked over Brandon Roy, but trying to say that he would make the Suns more successful than they currently are if he replaced Nash is crazy. Nash is by far the best person in the NBA (and therefore world) at making his teammates much better than they are. Baron might be a greater individual talent, but as far as making the entire TEAM better, no one is better than Nash.
February 1st, 2008 at 12:38 pm
Auggy says:
I’ve never left a comment on this site before, but Abe504 made me do it. That was simply put, a stupid comment. All-Stars are (supposed to be) picked based on their performance in the current year, not on how well they perform despite their lack of experience, or how many years it took them to get where they’re at (which still doesn’t hold weight with Baron, since he’s always performed at a high level when healthy). So you just defeated your argument when you said Roy puts up ALMOST the same numbers. Key word, almost. So he’s not playing as well as Baron, plus Baron’s team is doing better. I’m writing way too much on this, so just to sum up: Abe504 you’re dead wrong.
February 1st, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Myrie says:
I like Steve Nash; and I’m not hating.
But how can one be for sure Steve Nash makes any of his teammates better?
I mean, he certainly helps their shooting percentages by getting them open shots and easy baskets close to the rim; but I am not sure I’m so convinced.
Does Steve Nash really make Shawn Marion better? I mean, Marion was an allstar in Phoenix BEFORE Steve Nash and Mike D’Antoni go there. And if you watch Marion closely…you know he’d prolly average 16pts 11rebs no matter what team he was on.
Amare Stoudamire was Rookie of the Year (in 2002). Long before Steve Nash got there. Stephon Marbury was his point guard. So…Amare was doing enough back then to get positive attention/recognition.
Joe Johnson has been losing a lot of games, but sinec leaving Phoenix and Nash, he’s been an allstar (twice now).
So….really…who has Steve Nash helped become better? And how? Remember, Nash was a good point guard in Dallas, but he became better in Phoenix. Maybe his teammates help him a bit more than he helps them. He wasn’t in MVP talks until he teammed up with them in Phoenix. Just something to consider.
February 1st, 2008 at 12:52 pm
YOUNGFED says:
Man You can’t argue the numbers here Boom Dizzle was robbed. I think this was the biggest snub of all. The Camby snubb is debatable.
February 1st, 2008 at 1:12 pm
JA says:
You can argue Roy vs Baron all day, but for me, even though Baron is a jacker, the fact that he’s actually managed to play in every game so far this season pushes him over the top. Either way, Camby shouldn’t have got the snub - that’s just wrong. JJ isn’t an allstar either in my books - I thought that was a joke yesterday when he ‘leaked’ he was in.
February 1st, 2008 at 1:34 pm
dagwaller says:
Granted, the guy writing the blog is a homer. He’s right about Baron Davis deserving it over Roy, but seriously? Does he really think Davis is better than Nash? Wow. Ha! Terrible. I don’t really know what to say. During the playoffs last year, all I heard about was Golden State’s great fan base. I guess that means that they have an inflated sense of worth for their team?
February 1st, 2008 at 1:48 pm
K-Dizzle says:
That article just cut and pasted my post from late last night when the reserves were announced (check it).
Baron got screwed. More than Camby, more than Howard. If he got in instead of Roy or West or Boozer, it’s not so much a snub. Didn’t sleep good at all cuz crazy choices like that make me glad the HOF ain’t dependin on “all-star selections”
Myrie
I don’t even know why we discussin Nash. Dudes love to throw him out when discussing point guards and then say stupid stuff like “he don’t play d” when what they really mean to say is “How does my point guard compare to the dude seen as the best point over the last 3 years?”
I love Baron more than Nash, but I’m not crazy enough to compare them. 2 different types of games, 2 different types of ballers. The reason Nash is said to “make players better” is because he gets them easier shots. Marion and Amare could both average 20-10 but if your setup man is shooting 50-40-90 like Nash is, you gotta focus on him and him being unselfish, makes the right pass everytime. With Nash gettin them easier and open shots on offense, they can put more energy into other parts of their game (d and boarding). Don’t forget that although they were puttin up big numbers before Nash got there, they weren’t winning or even making the playoffs and that can’t be overlooked.
One more thing, I know it’s been said, but ABE504, you might be the most uneducated “hoophead” out here. Baron really isn’t good enough to make the team? You must be from portland and smokin oregon’s finest laced with somethin. You’re the dude that votes B-Roy on the team instead of Diddy because it “only took him two years and Diddy’s been around forever” So it’s the flavor of the month issue. Check numbers, read the article, check the standings, WATCH some games then say Baron doesn’t deserve to be in New Orleans, but before you do all that, you might need to pull your head out
February 1st, 2008 at 1:49 pm
Brown says:
I’m with Auggy. Abe504, you have no idea what you’re talking about.
You obviously don’t remember Baron’s early years in the NBA. Dude was a beast, and he still is. There isn’t one PG in the league right now who has his skill set. He’s got size, quickness and athleticism. He had arguably the dunk of the year in last year’s playoffs against Utah when he crammed on Andrei Kirilenko, one of the leagues best shot blockers. He can get to the rim, finish and shoot the 3-ball. He plays tough defense and gets into the passing lanes for steals. He’s a leader, tough and passionate. He carried his team to the biggest upset in NBA history. And he’s averaging over 8 assists per game on a team that has no reliable offensive options at the 4 or 5 spots, so he can’t just dump it in to them and let them do the work.
Take a look at his career stats and eat your words buddy.
http://www.nba.com/playerfile/baron_davis/career_stats.html
In his third year with Charlotte (do you even remember the Hornets when they were in Charlotte?,)he averaged 18.1 points, 8.5 assists, 4.3 rebounds, shot 41% and 35% from deep. Pretty much the exact same numbers as this year except now he’s a better free throw shooter.
Do your fucking homework before posting stupid comments like that. Like I always say, leave the basketball talk to the big boys.
BD deserved an all-star spot, but whatever, we’ll see ya’ll in the playoffs.
February 1st, 2008 at 1:52 pm
doc says:
Tell him step his game up and he’ll make it. Nash makes his team better because the Suns aint shit when he dont play or is out the game.
February 1st, 2008 at 2:23 pm
GEE...from post to post baby? says:
I like Baron. Rather than say he is better than Nash I will say they both are equal. I think they would have equal success on either team but in different ways.
B. most def. got robbed but it’s cool.
They both have their knocks, I mean Baron is injury prone and Nash likes to let other guards score, I mean he can’t play d.
Still if they were to switch teams I think the outcomes would still be successful. I will say I think B. would have an easier time duplicating what Nash does with the Suns than Nash could do duplicating what B. does in G.S.
If anything respect should have been shown to Baron over Roy in regards to longevity. Roy has a long way and plenty of All-Star games to go. Baron is older and been there longer and still getting it done well.
Of course if you do 2 All-Star games and put Roy on the second one and Baron on the first team All-Star game this is all resolved.
Huh?
February 1st, 2008 at 2:27 pm
jay c says:
Huge fan of B Diddy. I feel snubbed he didnt make it.
February 1st, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Phil B says:
numbers ain’t everything. i sad roy is a better defensive player. and there’s more to defense than steals. does baron deserve to be an all-star? definitely. over roy? maybe. would he make the suns better than nash does? no. here’s the main thing i disagree with though, “He probably never will be either.” (refering to Roy never being better than Baron). I disagree with that, as Roy is only a second year guard. He’s got lots of time.
February 1st, 2008 at 3:44 pm
dagwaller says:
Baron Davis would LOVE to shoot 50/40/90.
BD season/career:
42/35/74
41/33/69
Hahaha. Even worse than I thought. Also, you’d think that he’d be putting up even better numbers, considerind he’s the number one option on his team AND his team has an even faster pace than Nash’s does - but he doesn’t. People are barking up the wrong tree here.
February 1st, 2008 at 3:50 pm
dagwaller says:
Oh yea, and if he can play in 17 more games, it’d be the most games he’s played since 01-02.
February 1st, 2008 at 4:12 pm
D says:
whoever wrote this gets major props for citing that Steve Nash is a cone when it comes to defense. I don’t care how ‘great’ you make your team on offense, being a liability on defense negates a great deal of good done on the other side of the ball. Charley Rosen puts it bet, agree with his writings or not, when he says that defense is 50% of the game, so if a guy sucks on defense, how can he be one of the greatest players in the world.
And what Myrie said was right on point. the guys he’s surrounded with were good to begin with. Why couldn’t Nash get a ring with the Mavs when he had Finley in his prime and a young Dirk? Back then he was just a flashy point guard, but wasn’t that great. It’s the talent on Phoenix that makes him look so great and all of the media and casual fan d*ck riding is obnoxious.
His MVP honors, and to some extent Dirk’s, are significant in that the L wants to promote the white guys as opposed to the ‘thugs’ and casual fans (and the league) love offense and could care less for defense. It’s why everyone thinks that the Spurs are boring.
And by the way, has anyone seen the NBA AIDS commercial? Nash’s hair makes him look like a really ugly chick.
like I said, the dude is a cone on defense.
February 1st, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Abe504 says:
Man, so much hostility, u think someone would actually think that about bd, get out of herre, i was fuckin wit ya. definetly a snub but the west is packed wit alot of good talent, all but motivation come playoff time.
February 1st, 2008 at 11:04 pm
dagwaller says:
Ha, good points, D. Defense is half of the game. And yet, teams out there score 100 points a game. Damn! I guess the entire League is bad at defense!
You’re retarded, sorry. If people haven’t realized that Nash’s offense more than offsets his defense yet, I would love to make some bets with them. Suns - one of the best records in the League. Warriors - barely in the playoffs. Suns before Nash got there - 3 wins in the playoffs in 3 years. Suns since then - 27 or something like that. IT’S NOT A COINCIDENCE. I don’t care WHO says it - Myrie or D or whoever. It’s actually pretty comical how LITTLE you fellas seem to understand.
Also, keep in mind the coach that started to put some fun offense back into the league - Don Nelson (well, short of Rick Adelman with the Kings). Wait - he coaches the Warriors! And he coached the Mavs when Nash was there! Guess how many rings he has? 0! In the last, what, 10 years, how many pgs DO have rings? Derek Fisher, Chauncey, Tony Parker, Jason Williams and…who? No one else? So just because Nash hasn’t won it all doesn’t mean that he’s a bad player.
You’re right, Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitzki only won their MVPs because they’re white. Racist.
Oh yea, and Baron Davis’s beard makes him look like a homeless guy. Get out, D.
February 1st, 2008 at 11:32 pm
skywarp says:
do uguys remember when amare was out??… could baron davis did what nash did for the suns??. passing wise baron is behind nash.. and nash is more clutch compare to davis.. its easier to duplicate what nash does??.. WTF suns basically rellies on nash on offense.. have u seen the suns when nash isnt on the caort.. baron maybe better than roy but nash?? its highy debatable
February 2nd, 2008 at 12:33 pm
Brown says:
Dagwaller, you need to check your facts homie. The Warriors are 0.5 games back of Utah and 1.5 games behind LA and San Antonio. I’d hardly call that “barely in the playoffs.” They’re right in the thick of things.
Nash plays with two all-stars, while Davis plays with none.
It’s even more comical how little you seen to understand.
February 2nd, 2008 at 4:17 pm
dagwaller says:
Brown,
The Warriors are the 7th seed. That’s two spots away from being out of the playoffs. If Houston, Portland, or Denver go on a tear, or if the Warriors go south (which they will when Baron gets his annual injury), they’re out. That qualifies as barely, homie.
Nash DOES play with two all-stars. How does that make him a worse player? I never really understood that argument. Does that make Tim Duncan worse? The year the Wolves were good, did it make Garnett worse that Cassell and Sprewell were all-stars?
Brown, make an argument, please, instead of just throwing things out there, ha.