Baron Davis is a Damn Fool

*Update for July 8, 2008- It looks as if the Philadelphia 76ers have jumped in the Elton Brand sweepstakes. It is not looking so great for the Los Angeles Clippers. If they gain Baron Davis, but lose Elton Brand, it is another case of one step forward, and 2 steps back*



B-Diddy, B-Dizzle, aka Baron Davis made the biggest mistake of his life by moving down the coast of California from Oakland to Los Angeles. I ask why? Of course this move has not been confirmed because NBA moves cannot be officially announced until July 9, 2008. But it is pretty much set in stone, and I am puzzled by it. I anxiously await his comments when they announce his signing, and why he made the move.

Why would a person go from a team that could be on the cusp of doing big things, and go a perennial "Loser." The Los Angeles Clippers have been irrelevant in the NBA as long as I have been alive. Owner Donald Sterling is one of the cheapest owners in the NBA and has been for decades, but has improved his reputation over recent years. Sometimes it is not about how much money you spend, but yet when you spend it. It is about getting players to stay with your team before they become free agents, and making your team attractive for potential free agents.

So why is Baron Davis such a damn fool? Because at this point in his career, it shouldn't be about the money anymore, and should be about winning. I am no fool to the machine that is professional sports, but I sometimes, just sometimes would like to see some loyalty. It is under Don Nelson that Baron Davis has had some of his most successful seasons, and growth as a player. Shouldn't that count for something? I am sure Golden State would have paid Davis his fair share.

Another factor that makes the Baron Davis situation a foolish move is the fact that the team that he is leaving is trying to sign free agent from the Los Angeles Clippers Elton Brand. The Clippers will most likely lose Corey Maggette as well. Now what sense does it make to go join a team that has been struggling, and is about to lose 2 of it's most reliable players. Next years Clippers may be highlighted by Davis, and Chris Kaman, and not much else.

I would not put it past today's professional athlete to complain about a situation that he or his agent placed himself in. So I look forward to hearing grumblings out of Los Angeles in the next couple of years that Baron Davis is unhappy and wants out. So although I like Davis, and what he brings to the table as a player, I question his career path and what he plans to achieve with this move.