The Golden State Warriors and Stephen Curry are synonymous with winning. Having won four championships in the last eight seasons, the Dubs have established a concrete legacy. Golden State, however, had a turbulent 2022-23 season, punctuated by Draymond Green punching Jordan Poole before the season even began. The team looked like a shadow of the title-winning outfit in 2022, paving the way for questions about the future of this squad. The final nail in the coffin came with the exit of mastermind GM Bob Myers, bringing the end to an iconic era.
As the new season edges closer, the Warriors have hired a new General Manager. Will he be able to even get close to Myers’ legacy?
A familiar face takes the reins
Electing a suitable GM is crucial to ensure the team replenishes itself with enough resources. Under Myers, the Warriors have set a high standard, so the pressure is going to be ever-present. As a result, Mike Dunleavy Jr, the new GM, will be tackling a lot of tricky issues. The ascension of Dunleavy Jr, who played 17 seasons in the NBA, five with the Warriors from 2002 to 2007, is an intriguing one.
The former sharpshooting guard has earned his spot through promotions. In 2018, the Warriors hired him as a pro scout. Then within a year, he nabbed an Assistant GM spot. To continue his rise, the management then appointed him as the Vice President of Basketball Operations in 2021. Within just five years, at just 42 years of age, he is now in the hot seat. Heavy is the head that wears the crown, however, as Dunleavy Jr has to lead a team that is undergoing a bit of turmoil.
Under Bob Myers, the Warriors drafted wonderful talents like Draymond Green, Kevon Looney, Jordan Poole, Jonathan Kuminga, and James Wiseman. They won multiple championships and Myers also convinced Kevin Durant to join. He also brought in Andrew Wiggins, who was instrumental during the 2022 championship. Therefore, Dunleavy Jr. will have a lot of work at his disposal.
Many dilemmas for the Warriors
The Warriors have a huge offseason ahead of them. They need to make decisions on various players and can look at the trade market. Additionally, decisions regarding Jordan Poole have to be made. After his dismal 2023 Playoffs campaign, he may be on his way out.
The team’s defense was also deplorable last season and they need to make big changes on the perimeter. The team chemistry may not have been idle, which also led to defensive breakdowns repeatedly. To please Stephen Curry, Dunleavy Jr. will surely have his work cut out.
