Golden State's Dynastic run would not be if not for bob myers and company
During the 90s, Micheal Jordan and the Chicago Bulls dominated the basketball world. Jordan's dominance cemented him in NBA history, having many regard him as the greatest ever to play the game. Despite popular belief, the true pioneer of the dynasty wasn't Jordan or even a player. The Bulls dynasty wouldn't have been built without the efforts of the then general manager Jerry Krause.
Krause made various moves to get rid of bad contracts; drafted gem role players, Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant; and making moves that served the team-- not just the preferences of Jordan. This is how the Bulls dynasty was built, preserved, and cemented.
In football, Patriots' general manager Bill Belichick revamps their offensive and defensive lines virtually every other year to secure their dominance.
Greatness in sports is like an algorithm with a lot of variables-- the three most notable being a great player, a great coach, and an outstanding front office. The Golden State Warriors are no different. Bob Myers, with the help of Kirk Lacob and Larry Harris, have led the way in building the Warriors' dynasty by retaining and keeping the core together.
In 2012, many fans were upset with the Warriors' management team after they traded away Monte Ellis for Andrew Bogut. Many feeling that Stephen Curry would've been a better trading option. At the time, Myers was an assistant general manager, but played a significant role in the deal, being promoted to lead general manager the following month. And, as history will tell, the deal was the right move. Similarly, Myers made the right decision in not trading Klay Thompson away for Kevin Love. In the same sense, the acquirement of Andre Iguodala through trade also built the foundation for the five-year tear Myers’ group has gone on.
Sometimes in the NBA, a franchise can feel like their house is on fire. After losing Kd and Klay to injury, losing the finals in their last game in Oracle, and then saying goodbye to 60% of their roster including KD and Iggy the Warriors' house felt on fire. When the house is on fire, everyone has to fill their bucket with water and help put the fire out. This offseason, Bob Myers was the first in line to fill his bucket.
To kick off free agency, the fanbase didn't have time to fully react to Durant's decision to leave, because Myers quickly made moves to acquire D'Angelo Russell in a sign and trade. He drafted rookies Poole, Smailagic, and Paschall-- three players with different skill sets that are catered to Kerr's offense. Finally, and most importantly, he extended Draymond Green-- keeping the core four of Curry, Green, Thompson, and Kerr together long term.
Green would have reached unrestricted free agency next summer, being eligible for a contract of 152.6 million dollars. By extending Green, a year early the Warriors' saved 50 million dollars, giving them more flexibility for signing role players next summer.
Before his first extension, Green averaged 11 points on 44% field goal shooting and 33% three-point shooting. After his extension that summer, he averaged 14 points on 49% shooting from the field and 38% three-point shooting. Not to mention, the Dubs went on to have a 73-9 season.
The core four have won a record of 365-113 (.764 win percentage) having the highest win percentage by any trio and coach in NBA history (minimum 400 games).
The bucket is not full, though. The current bench is young, with plenty of potential, but to contend in the West veteran leadership is a vital variable in the winning algorithm. Myers and his management team will have to find a way to get one or two veteran players to lead the bench and support the starting unit-- especially with Thompson out most of the regular season.
The Warriors dynasty that the NBA has grown to love and hate is on fire, and whether or not it burns down or survives rests on this current group to each fill their buckets and carry their water. As of now, Bob Myers is leading the charge, bucket in hand, ready to preserve the dynasty.