Hazing is an inflammatory word these days, but there’s a place for it in sports as long as no one gets hurt or harassed. But if the idea of hazing is now taboo, let’s describe what the Warriors do on Twitter as “teasing.” Golden State’s veterans seem to have the right idea when it comes to having a little fun at the expense of the younger players (like when Kent Bazemore got a car full of popcorn last year), and they don’t mind shining a little light on the team’s hierarchy through Twitter.
At the top: center Andrew Bogut and veteran small forward Andre Iguodala (among others)
At the bottom: rookie guard Nemanja Nedovic and second-year forward Harrison Barnes
Bogut seems to relish picking on Barnes slightly more than Nedovic, probably because Barnes is always good for a reaction.
@andrewbogut wow…taking to twitter with the sarcasm
— Harrison Barnes (@HBarnes) February 22, 2014
@andrewbogut smh last time I tell you that you’re my favorite player
— Harrison Barnes (@HBarnes) February 22, 2014
— Andrew Bogut (@andrewbogut) February 22, 2014
But whenever Bogut can include both Barnes AND Nedovic, he’ll take that opportunity.
Oh, @hbarnes I almost forgot. Guess once you are not a rook anymore you can get treatment by two trainers. #respect pic.twitter.com/RvLRKsnaHA — Andrew Bogut (@andrewbogut) February 25, 2014
@andrewbogut there u go with the gas smh — Harrison Barnes (@HBarnes) February 25, 2014
He even takes them to lunch (no word on who paid, but they all get ridiculous per diems so it probably doesn’t really matter):
According to Wikipedia, ćevapčići is a grilled dish of minced meat, a type of kebab, found traditionally in the countries of southeastern Europe. Andre Iguodala doesn’t mention exotic foods on his timeline, but when he wants something basic he knows where to turn.
Nedovic, who obeys instructions when it comes to toting a One Direction backpack wherever he goes, knows his role.
The Warriors don’t have any draft picks in 2014. Iguodala may stop asking Nedovic to run errands next season, and the boy band backpack might get tossed aside, but Bogut will need someone to tease. Barnes probably won’t be out of the woods next season, either.
