City of Dope

Year after year, I have always been able to somehow think that this was the year. Obviously insane in retrospect, but I’m pretty good at tricking myself into stuff like this. My loyalty and faith were blind, like how some might salute the flag or believe in God.

Rony Siekaly. Doneyll Marshall. Tim Legler. Bimbo Coles. Andrew DeClercq. Muggsy Bogues. Todd Fuller. Felton Spencer. Erick Dampier. Rodney White. Tony Delk. Jason Caffey. BJ Armstrong. Chris Taft. John Starks. Clifford Rozier. Brian Cardinal. Vonteego Cummings. Billy Owens. Tony 10 Day Contract Farmer. Mookie Blaylock. Dale Davis. Bill Curley. Vinnie Del Negro. Danny Fortson. Bobby Sura. Chris Porter. Adam Keefe. Marc Jackson. Chris Mills. Troy Murphy. David Wood. Dean Oliver. Mike Dunleavy. Jiri Welsch. Nick Van Exel. Victor Alexander. Speedy Claxton. Corie Blount. Eduardo Najera. Carlos Rogers. Calbert Cheaney. Tom Gugliotta. Ike Diogu.

At some point in time, I bet I thought every name above might be able to make something happen and turn things around. Rooting for the equivalent of an NBA farm team is no easy task. The Golden State Warriors were basically the D-League before there was a D-League.

Then things changed.

The trade for Baron, Nellie returns, the most lopsided trade in NBA history, the playoff push, and then the upset. The year ended pretty anti-climactic but it was the best season I’ve witnessed and I’m hoping for more.

Tip-off in one hour…I’m out to the liquor store!

For the real scoop, check out GSoM, Fear the Beard, and Fast Break.