Bob Myers’ Impact on the Warriors: A Case Study in Leadership
Introduction
The Golden State Warriors’ comeback win against the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night was a prime example of the unmatched impact that Warriors general manager Bob Myers has on the team. Draymond Green, who was a game-high plus-26 in plus/minus over 33 minutes, was frustrated when Steve Kerr wouldn’t challenge a charge called on him with 4:48 remaining in the game and the Warriors up by seven points. Myers walked down the bench and made sure he had Green’s attention. Within seconds, Green was in agreement, now nodding up and down. Myers’ message was huge, and it helped Green get back in the game without a foul to give and just under four minutes left in regulation. In the next near three minutes, the Warriors outscored the Pelicans 10-2 before pulling their starters with a minute left in their 120-109 comeback win.
Myers’ Leadership
Myers’ leadership style is unique, and it’s what makes him special. He knows what makes Green tick and what makes him go. His voice was needed in that moment, more than any coach or teammate. How many other front office hold that kind of weight, and have that kind of influence? The total can be counted on one hand. Truthfully, the answer might be a grand total of zero. Myers’ relationship with Green has been built over the last 11 years, and that is a relationship that will continue to grow over the next 40 years. For him to come down in that moment and say something to Green, it was huge.
Conclusion
Following however far the Warriors go this season, Green has a $27.5 million player option on his contract for next season. Myers has nothing. He and owner Joe Lacob appear at odds over Myers’ current contract, which ends after this season. Draymond can test the waters, or sign on the dotted line for at least one more year. Myers in his first NBA draft as the Warriors’ GM took a flier on a decorated college star who was considered a tweener, then a knock instead of a plus, with the fifth pick of the second round. The rest is history, and everything he and the Warriors have built could be history if Myers’ future with the franchise isn’t figured out in a hurry. Tuesday’s wild win where the Warriors trailed by as much as 20 points could be a turning point of the season, or only another victory on a court they have dominated all season. Either way, it served as a prime example of the unmatched impact Myers has on the Warriors. The rest of the Warriors’ decision makers better listen loud and clear to the meaning behind the words of Steph and Draymond. The weight their words hold are immeasurable, and the basketball world is watching.
Keywords: Bob Myers, Golden State Warriors, Draymond Green, Steve Kerr, New Orleans Pelicans, leadership, NBA.
