Warriors president Robert Rowell and Stephen Jackson
It’s tough to draw any other conclusion about the Warriors and president Robert Rowell these days except that he is making the team’s basketball decisions.
At least a few of them.
Some may try to soft-pedal the importance of Rowell vetoing a three-year, $39 million extension for Baron Davis this offseason, _ leading to Davis’ opt out _ but it is significant.
What it means is that Rowell is no longer just assessing the monetary aspect of deals and instructing accordingly. He’s assessing the player aspect of deals and instructing accordingly.
If Davis’ possible contract extension would have had luxury tax implications, then, of course, Rowell should have been in on things.
But this extension had no luxury tax implications. None.
The Warriors may have had to finesse a little in the coming year or two, but for 2008-09 they were good as far as the tax was concerned. And that was even with Davis set to earn $17.8 million.
If it wasn’t the tax, then it must have been the number of guaranteed years: three. But that, my friends, is getting into the basketball stuff.
Don't forget that Stephen Jackson said recently he's been dealing directly with Rowell and owner Chris Cohan on a contract extension. That would seem to be further evidence of Rowell's expansive role.
Mullin and Davis' agent, Todd Ramasar, had been working on a deal for over a year. Davis wanted more years, and the Warriors wanted to give him less. Davis wanted more money, and the Warriors wanted to pay him less.
Of course Mullin was concerned about Davis’ long-term health. But in the end, Mullin made a basketball judgment to give Davis three guaranteed years.
The most important thing you need to know about Davis’ three-year, $39 million extension offer is this: It was fair. Absolutely fair.
So fair that neither side really liked it, a sure sign they had come to middle ground.
The deal was thought out and sound, and was the kind of deal you let your vice president of basketball operations live or die with. It's not a deal you put a halt to unless something else is going on _ like you don't really want Davis here in the first place.
Davis was going to be in the salary ballparks of Tony Parker and Chauncey Billups, but he wasn’t going to be on the pay scale of a Chris Paul or Deron Williams. That sounded about right.
Mullin thought so. Ramasar thought so. Davis thought so.
Rowell did not, and came back with one less guaranteed year and $12 million less in guaranteed money.
See ya, Baron.
Comments
wait..so your saying the point guard that brought leadership and playoffs (and playoff experience) to this team, the only all star and all nbaer in like 10 years with the warriors wasnt worth a 3 year extension for this rob guy...just imagine no baron davis last season..i think wed be flat .500
You have got to be the only reporter in the Bay that reports absolute nonsense. How about reporting on the actually team not what is going on with the front office. Mullin has put this team together not Rowell. Mullin is the GM, this yr and yrs to come unless HE CHOOSE'S NOT TO. Your also the only 1 that has been even looking into this. Give it a rest. I say this for all warrior fans go work for Clips....then u can write about your nonsense. We dont need U Matt.
I am glad that he reported the happenings in the front office. Mr. Norcal Warrior needs to understand that while it would be nice to have Mullin forever he is actually overdue for an extension on his contract. It would appear that the Warriors are playing hardball with all of their staff. Says something about the owner more than anything else. Too bad. Mullin had a good thing going. I hope that he gets to stay and make sure all his planning comes to fruition.
Anyways, it's not like there is any other Warriors news?
Baron took us about as far as we'll ever get. Extending him would have meant bringing back the same team that missed the playoffs last year and no flexibility to do anything else. Letting Baron go was the right move. If we landed Elton Brand nobody would be complaining right now. BUT.. what we did with the capspace is the real issue. Lets talk about that. Was the Maggette signing a Mully move or Rowell move? Ronny Turiaf? Marcus Williams? Who's the smart guy behind these moves?
You might be playing a little loosely with your numbers. The one report that I read about Rowell's rejection indicated that the final year of the contract would be partially guaranteed. That suggests to me that the team would have the option not to drop Davis completely for the final year, but to give him less than full salary. Maybe Davis could then reject the lower salary or accept it. What else could partial guarantee mean?
Norcal obviously can only deal with superficialities and not the internal mechanisms of what really makes an engine run.Maybe,Matt,you can refer him to some Dick and Jane sports journalism so he can get grounded and understand what truly is nonsense.
Warriors are effed.
I'm glad Baron Left. It was time. The Warriors were not going to improve with him here. Plus he is injury prone. It wasn't worth the risk. I'm also glad Brand didn't come here. Too much money for an aging player coming off knee surgery. I thought the moves Mullin made were good. I'm hoping Mullin Stays but it's not looking good. Please don't extend Jacks any more than a year. He is an aging player also. Wait till his contract is up in 2 years. or use him as trade bait next year with Harrington.
I've got a bad feeling about this Robert Rowell. There might be a power struggles going on in the front office of the Warriors. Undermining Mullin and Nelson running of the team could set us back. Robert Rowell should sticks his brown nose up Chris Cohan @#$, and leave the running of the team to Mullin. Go Warriors!!
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!