The Golden State Warriors have named Mike Donleavy Jr. as their new general manager, succeeding Bob Myers. Dunleavy, who has been with the team since 2018, has been promoted from his previous position as Vice President of Basketball Operations. He initially joined the Warriors’ front office as a pro scout, and later became an assistant for GM in 2019.
“We believe Mike is the perfect fit to lead our basketball operations division,” Joe Lacob, Warriors co-CEO and chief executive officer, said in a statement. “He has a wealth of knowledge in basketball, stemming from his family upbringing, a 15-year career in the NBA and five seasons of service under Bob Myers in our front office. He is young and energetic, has built many relationships throughout the league and gets on well with Players and coaches – all important attributes on the field. Mike is ready to take on that challenge and responsibility.”
Dunleavy went from Warriors player to general manager
Dunleavy’s relationship with the Warriors goes beyond his executive role. He played with the team for most of his career after being drafted third overall by Duke in 2002. During his time as a player, Dunleavy averaged 11.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. He was traded to the Indiana Pacers in 2007 before his retirement.
The Golden State Warriors have promoted Mike Donleavy Jr., Vice President of Basketball Operations, to succeed Bob Myers as their new general manager less than a week before the NBA draft. https://t.co/9dTnwUD7Iu
– San Francisco Chronicle (@sfchronicle) June 16, 2023
Insiders believed that this move was inevitable
Speculation circulated that Dunleavy was the top candidate for the general manager position after Bob Myers stepped down in May. Myers, who had been with the Warriors for 11 seasons and won four NBA championships, left the team at a crucial juncture. The futures of key players such as Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Jordan Paul remain uncertain due to contract extensions and luxury tax concerns. Additionally, the Warriors’ performance in the playoffs last season was disappointing, with a seven-game series win against the Sacramento Kings followed by a six-game loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Now, Dunleavy will be tasked with overcoming these challenges. While Myers aimed to preserve the team’s championship core of Stephen Curry, Thompson and Green, it remains to be seen if this approach is consistent with the ownership’s intentions, given the contractual requirements and financial obligations attached to the players. The transition to leadership of Dunleavy raises questions about the future course of the Dynasty Warriors.