“Zetopilia” is a term I use that describes the current state of the Golden State Warriors. Zetopilia has several meanings – awful, disappointing, embarrassing, etc. The Warriors are once again entering the path to a long dark abyss of eternal damnation from the NBA playoffs. It was only 2 years ago, that the Warriors presented its fans with hope, excitement, as well as the slogan that came with such promising future – “We Believe.” Now, fast forward 2 years to the present. Many things have changed that have caused this zetopilia state of mediocrity, in which I will discuss in future blog posts. However, as an overview of the steps of which I call, zetopilia, here are a few big chunks of the Warriors organization setting themselves back a few or perhaps many seasons of not making the post season (keep in mind, these are only the some of the major events that took place)
1. 1. Trading away the Heart and Soul of the team – Jason Richardson. Ever since Jason Richardson was drafted as the 5th overall pick in 2001, his his basketball IQ and overall skills have only improved from season to season. Of all the Warriors that came and gone during his tenure, almost any fan could tell you that he had most passion about winning. He even wrote an apology letter to fans about missing out of the 2006 playoffs. The Warriors may have traded him away because of future salary cap issues, in which I will discuss in a future article.
2. 2. Robert Rowell’s refusal to extend Baron Davis’ Contract. Baron Davis was a huge reason in granting Warrior fans a playoff birth since the ’93-’94 season. Baron also carried the team throughout the playoffs; pretty much single handedly dismantled and sent the #1 seeded, Dallas Mavericks. He was the glue that held every single player in check. No matter how many ill advised shots or lazy and sloppy defensive assignments missed, we forgave and forgot because he was our only all-star caliber player. He was the leader that the now leader-less Warriors need in this time of zetopilia. Again, like the Jason Richardson trade, maybe this was a decision based on future salary cap issues, but maybe there’s more behind this. With the signing of Corey Maggette for 5 years, $50 million, who knows? I will discuss this as well in future postings.
3. 3. Training accident? Wait, wait….Moped? Did you say moped? Really, a moped? I think that explains who I’m referring too. I need not say more.
The Warriors were once a humiliating franchise to represent, made into one of the most exciting teams that arguably had the greatest upset in NBA history by knocking out the #1 seeded Dallas Mavericks, and are now well on their way for another 12+ year playoff drought. This blog, the Golden State Warriors Review, will give an in depth review of how this came to be. Additionally, I will provide highlights, scores, criticisms, current news, and much more of anything that might contribute to this Warriors status, of which I call “Zetopilia.”
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