Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers will leave the organization, as confirmed by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. But who could follow him?
it's expected to be a tumultuous offseason for the Golden State Warriors, and one of their front office leaders will not be at the helm to aid the next chapter of their dynasty. Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green remain, but all three are a year older, and just lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Semifinals. If was a tough end to a season which began with championship repeat aspirations.
"It's just time," Myers told ESPN.
It's unclear whether Myers means it's time for him personally, or if he sees this as a turning point in the Dubs incredible run. Whether he says it or not, the latter is far more likely. Golden State will try to keep several key free agents, while building around a core of players all in their early-to-mid 30's. It's unclear exactly what Curry, Thompson and Green have left to give as a trio.
The new general manager, whoever that may be, must have a vision of what the next iteration of the Warriors looks like. Because right now, the Bay water is as murky as ever.
Jordan Poole and Draymond Green cannot coexist any longer. That much is clear.
While all seemed fine and good for Green and Poole on the court, it's tough for a friendship to come back from a punch to the face, especially when that aggressive act is publicized for the entire world to see. Poole was the scapegoat of the Dubs early postseason exit, but he's under contract for a few more years.
Green, however, is a free agent, and the Warriors could let him walk if whoever replaces Myers decides the price is too steep. While Poole's scoring prowess makes him valuable off the court, Green is the more important player for this Dubs core. Everything Green does off the ball, from team building, to his defensive agility and passing intelligence, often goes unseen to the untrained eye. But for basketball purists, Green is worth every penny.
His bulldog mentality got the best of him in that late-offseason practice with Poole, and it may come back to bite him with a fresh regime should he want to stay in Golden State.
Golden State forward Anthony Lamb played a valuable role in the regular season, but come the playoffs, he was phased out of the Dubs rotation. There's little reason a new regime should keep him around as a looming unrestricted free agent, as well, considering his off-court issues. FanSided's Ian Levy laid out Lamb's many problems after the Warriors season ended:
"Lamb was one of the biggest surprises of the Warriors' season, helping fill injury-related absences, stealing minutes from Moses Moody, appearing in 62 games and averaging 12.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists per 36 minutes while shooting 36.7 percent from the floor. He was reliable as a 3-and-D contributor but completely disappeared from the playoff rotation. With an expiring contract, no apparent playoff utility and the lingering shadow of a Title IX lawsuit against the University of Vermont that includes rape accusations against him, the Warriors will likely let him move on."
Whenever a new general manager takes over, Lamb could easily be their first big decision. Yes, he filled in nicely and stole minutes from Moody. But Moody himself is a nice young piece on Steve Kerr's bench. Why not stick with him, instead?
Andre Iguodala played in just eight games for Golden State last season, but his contract expires after the season and he likely won't be retained. 2023-24 would be Iguodala's age-40 season, so it would be surprised to see him sign on elsewhere unless in a Udonis Haslam-like role, or as an assistant coach.
Blue Man Hoop's Peter O'Keefe thinks Iguodala's best days in Golden State are behind him:
"Iguodala showed little capacity to make a meaningful on-court impact this season, but you'd suggest that things couldn't go much worse from an injury perspective. Additionally, his experience and knowledge are invaluable to the Warriors' younger players, and he deserves to leave on his own terms at a franchise where he's had so much impact. Golden State could afford to have him back for a 20th season, but only if they make the absolute most of their remaining roster spots."
Retaining Iguodala should be the next regime's last priority. As important as team culture is, Steph Curry carries that torch, along with the rest of the big three. Iggy provides little actual value at this point in his career. Plus, Iguodala ensured Curry this would be his final season when he came back to begin with.
In recent weeks, however, Iguodala has seemed open to a return, if approached. This rollercoaster may never end.