During the last 10 years, no NBA team has been quite as dominant as the Warriors. However, like with any sports dynasty, they had to work their way to the top. Before Stephen Curry and Steve Kerr ushered in a new era, the team was toiling in mediocrity for ages. And there was one remnant of the Warriors family that had seen each era of this franchise. As a result, Matt Barnes and the Warriors faithful had to send in their wishes on an epic honor.

At the end of a hard-fought victory against the San Antonio Spurs, it was a unique celebration for this Golden State Warriors legend.

The dying vestige of the Warriors of old

Jim Barnett. For any fans from the Bay Area, the name is synonymous with the franchise. For the better of 30 years, Barnett has been the voice for Warriors games. But, his relationship with the organization exceeds even that timeframe.

A first-round draft pick, Jim Barnett spent 11 years in the league with various franchises like the Boston Celtics, Portland Trail Blazers, and of course, Golden State. But, that partnership would quickly turn into an off-court one as well.

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Upon retirement in 1977, he began his career as a broadcaster for the team. Since then, it has been a 30-year-long journey with the city of San Francisco. In 2019, Barnett announced his last game for the Warriors as he shifted to the radio circuit. He thanked Dub Nation for letting him bring “passion and enthusiasm for Warriors basketball” into their homes.

Of course, since then he has extensively covered Warriors games on the radio. To commemorate the legend, Golden State held a special ceremony.

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“For over 50 years, Jim Barnett has been a member of #DubNation…Tonight, the Warriors and @chase_center unveiled the newly named ‘Jim Barnett Media Center’ in honor of Jim’s incredible contributions to the Warriors franchise.” 

Seeing a legend who gave voice to some iconic moments growing up, fans were ready to give the 79-year-old his flowers. Among them, was former Warriors forward Matt Barnes.

Matt Barnes and DubNation give Jim Barnett a fitting sendoff

One fan had a “legacy game” idea in store for Barnett. “Bring him back for one game a season! That’s the least you owe him for 50 years.” 

Most comments were just showing appreciation for the legend. “GOAT” in some capacity was a regular throughout, with no less than 7 users giving him the ultimate honor. The gesture by the Warriors front office especially drew praise from the fans, as it was a truly heartfelt moment. “Class act by the Warriors organization. Jim Barnett is a Warriors and Bay Area legend” 

NBA legend and a member of the Golden State faithful, Matt Barnes, had a simple message as well. “Congrats Jim B” 

With Barnett last contributing during the 2022 NBA Finals for yet another Golden State victory, he did get a fitting farewell in that capacity. As current-day players receive less appreciation for their achievements from yesteryear legends, Jim was the exception.

“Was a pleasure to have him on TV. Wish he was still on but pretty cool he got to call the clinching game of the 2022 Finals on the radio with Fitz.” After years of mediocrity, it was a fitting bow on a legendary career.

During those dire days, Barnett was literally the voice of comfort for fans all over. “He stuck with Dub Nation when we suck…When Bimbo Coles was our point guard”. 

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As the sun sets on one Bay Area legend, could the same be true for the Warriors dynasty as a whole? The team is off to a rough start and the future looks bleak. With a soothing voice not at the top, who will Golden State turn to?