No respect, I tell ya ... Titles can’t shut up the Warriors-haters
“I tell ya, I don't get no respect. I told my psychiatrist that everyone hates me. He said I was being ridiculous — everyone hasn't met me yet.”
Rodney Dangerfield would love the Warriors. They get no respect.
Two titles in three years. Three straight trips to the Finals, with another on the way. Record-setting win totals. Multiple MVPs. Four AllStars.
You think everyone would just admit it. The Golden State Warriors are the best team around, and one of the greatest of all time.
But, no. Like a perennial pestilence, a familiar set of naysayers emerge, looking to get their names in the headlines.
I suppose jealousy and stupidity are not particularly unique traits. In fact, they seem to be an epidemic in today’s society. So, why should basketball be immune? It’s clearly not.
Consider the most recent string of asinine statements:
⏩ TNT’s Chris Webber kicked off the chorus this postseason, when he embarrassed himself by criticizing Draymond Green.
“Yes, if he was on other teams and expected to score, he might not be in the starting lineup on some teams ... ,” said Webber.
Green responded in kind: “That's fine. My jewelry fit well.”
⏩ Next up was Webber’s TV colleague, Charles Barkley. Now, Mr. Barkley should get some kind of lifetime achievement award for idiotic Warriors-bashing. He’s long considered the team’s success illegitimate, built on the false foundation of three-point shooting. Charles has served that meal a million times now, usually followed by a steaming hot bowl of crow.
This year, Barkley changed his approach, piling on the Green-bashing chuck wagon. After Draymond had a particularly chippy first half against the Pelicans in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals, the Round Mound unloaded this gem on national television: “I just want somebody to punch him in the face.” Followed by: “I want to punch him in the face so bad. I’m just telling you. I want to punch his ass in the face. I do.”
Green, once more, responded in sublime fashion: “If you feel that strongly about it, then punch me in my face when you see me. If you’re not going to punch me in my face when you see me, then shut up.”
Barkley followed up by apologizing, then saying he meant what he said. Horton the Elephant couldn’t have said it better.
⏩ Scottie Pippen, another annual purveyor of Golden State hate, popped out this drivel the other day, in an interview with Dime Magazine: “I don’t see them as a dynasty. I think bringing Kevin Durant in really changed my respect as to where I rank this team going forward in terms of a dynasty.”
This isn’t Pippen’s first go-round criticizing the Warriors. After Golden State surpassed his Chicago Bulls’ record for regular season wins in 2016, going 73-9, Pippen was quick to criticize the team for losing in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. He doubled down on that theme again this year.
“Dynasties are teams that does things special, does things different,” said Pippen. “Even in the year that they won 73 games, they lost the title. So I can’t consider that part of their dynasty. That wasn’t a dynasty season.”
So, umm ... let me see if I can summarize. You don’t think the Warriors are a dynasty, Scottie? Because they picked up Kevin Durant? Got it.
Two words, Mr. Pippen: Dennis. Rodman.
So, where does all this criticism come from? It’s no coincidence that former players lead the charge. A desire to remain relevant certainly
Now TV analysts, Chris Webber and Charles Barkley have taken subtle and lessthan-subtle digs at Green. plays a role. The desire for sensational sound bites also contributes.
But I think professional jealousy leads the way. Webber and Barkley never won a championship. Pippen earned his rings alongside Michael Jordan. He’s compensating.
Don’t suppose it matters much, in the greater scheme. Haters gonna hate. Warriors gonna win.