On paper, the Baron Davis-Mike Dunleavy Sr. pairing seems like an odd match

Baron Davis

There is no doubt we’re somewhat belaboring Baron Davis opting out of the final year of his contract with the Warriors and signing as a free agent with the Los Angeles Clippers. The reason: There are so many facets of the move that there is a ton to look at.

From a financial standpoint, it makes perfect sense why Davis went to the Clippers. They offered him $65 million over five years, and the Warriors weren’t offering any more than a two-year extension. And there seems to be disagreement over that.

Simply put, Davis felt wanted by the Clippers, and rightfully so, and unwanted by the Warriors. It all added up to Davis leaving the Warriors.

But there’s one place that the move makes little sense: from a basketball standpoint. 

Don Nelson

For two years, Warriors coach Don Nelson and Davis had a wonderful relationship and there's no denying it was integral in Davis' renaissance in the Bay Area.

Nelson had complete trust in Davis and handed the running of the team over to him. In turn, Davis responded by playing at the highest level of his career _ or at least since early in his career.

Davis hasn’t always played to his potential in the NBA, which is no secret. When he hasn't, the reason has been pretty obvious most of the time … the coach. If there’s one thing Davis has shown throughout his NBA career it is that he's not a big fan of structure or coaches who demand it.

And few coaches are more structured than Mike Dunleavy Sr., coach of the Clippers. Dunleavy calls a lot of set plays and most of them are post-ups. Assuming Elton Brand re-signs in L.A., how long before Davis laments the number of “4-down”plays called for Brand by Dunleavy. 

Mike Dunleavy Sr.

In the past, Davis has bristled under coaches who don’t allow him free rein. Remember when Tim Floyd replaced Paul Silas (a Davis favorite) in New Orleans, and Davis was little to no factor afterward. Byron Scott coached Davis next, and pretty unsuccessfully I might add.

How memorable was Davis’ play under former Warriors coach Mike Montgomery? The point is that Davis never has played his best for coaches like Dunleavy. Davis played the best basketball of his career under Nelson.

Next year, Davis will play for Dunleavy, whom it’s fair to call a “control” guy. As 2008-09 unfolds, keep a close eye on whether or not Davis’ disdain for structure rears its head.