USA Today via Reuters
May 12, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) Andre Iguodala (9), guard Ryan Rollins (2) and guard Klay Thompson (11) sit on from the bench in the final minutes of the second half of game six of the 2023 NBA playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
May 12, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) Andre Iguodala (9), guard Ryan Rollins (2) and guard Klay Thompson (11) sit on from the bench in the final minutes of the second half of game six of the 2023 NBA playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Success in any sport is always a reflection of what’s happening behind the scenes. Team players along with their management play a crucial role in their success and failures. A prime example in the NBA can be that of the Golden State Warriors. Under the stewardship of Bob Meyers, the Warriors dominated the league and form a dynasty that survives to this day.
After their second-round playoffs exit to the Los Angeles Lakers Bob Myers, one of the most decorated General Managers of all time, stepped down.?Mike Dunleavy Jr. steps in as his replacement. Mike, who’s Myers’ former associate, stated he was “uncomfortable” with his new role.
The former player returns to the team as a GM
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During a press conference where he was unveiled as the new General Manager, Dunleavy addressed the media on his new role. He revealed he wasn’t very sure of the job when Bob Myers first approached him. Stating “I think so, but I?m a little uncomfortable taking your job.” To which Bob responded “Dunleavy, c?mon man. It?s not like you?re taking an organ. It?s just a job.”
“I was talking to Bob this week and he asked me if I was going to do the job. I said, “Yeah I think so, but I’m a little uncomfortable taking your job.’ He said ‘Dunleavy, c’mon man. It’s not like you’re taking an organ. It’s just a job.’ So we’re good here.”
– Mike Dunleavy Jr. https://t.co/1AqvmmHeNL
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) June 19, 2023
His concern is justified as the Warriors faithful, and Mike Dunleavy Jr. have had quite the history. Drafted by the Golden State Warriors as the third overall pick in 2002 the small forward had a promising rookie season. This led him to sign a contract extension worth $44 Million in 2005 a move that garnered much criticism and verbal violence from the fans.
via Getty
OAKLAND, USA – JUNE 15: Golden State Warriors’ Matt Barnes greets fans during the Golden State Warriors’ NBA Championship parade and rally in Oakland, CA, USA on June 15, 2017. (Photo by Joel Angel Juarez/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
After failing to cement his place in the squad, Mike was traded to the Indiana Pacers in 2007 where he spent 4 seasons. The Texas native then spent his next few years bouncing around the league. Suiting up for the likes of Milwaukee, Chicago, Clevland, and Atlanta.
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Mike Dunleavy Jr.’s Path to General Manager
After spending 15 seasons in the league Dunleavy retired in 2017 while playing for the Atlanta Hawks. Within a year of his retirement the 6’9″ forward was back in San Francisco as a pro scout. In 2019, they promoted Mike to the Assistant General Manager role, which he held until 2021 when he became the Vice president of Basketball operations. It was during this time that he won his first NBA championship during the Warriors’ 2022 triumph.
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Only time will tell if Dunleavy as General Manager can iterate Bob Myers’s success. Or will it be another exodus from the Bay Area?
