The Warriors yesterday officially introduced new Exec BOD member Jerry West, who will "not be a decision-maker" but will "have an impact on what goes on" with the team, according to Marcus Thompson II of the OAKLAND TRIBUNE. West said, "I see things a little bit different than they do and I will give my opinion. I do think there's changes that need to be made here, and I know they do in talking with them. I would encourage them to be a little more aggressive than they have been." West "will not necessarily seek to dominate the decision-making." He "didn't take the job until he was sure" GM Larry Riley and Assistant GM Bob Myers "were comfortable with him around." West officially is a "consultant on the basketball operations staff" in addition to a BOD member, and Warriors co-Owner Joe Lacob said West has an "economic interest" in the team. Lacob said that the "courtship with West had been going on for months before the announcement Friday that he was hired." West said that he "joined the Warriors because of" Lacob and co-Owner Peter Guber. Thompson notes the "hope is that Golden State's decision room is supplemented by West's experience, connections and mettle" (OAKLAND TRIBUNE, 5/25).
BRINGING LEGITIMACY: The AP's Josh Dubow wrote West "brings much more than a voice to a downtrodden franchise." Dubow: "He has a pedigree that includes titles as a player and executive and a proven ability to build championship teams." Lacob said, "Jerry's at the point in his career where he's done it all. There's nobody who has done what he's done in his career. I couldn't be more excited to have someone with that kind of experience and integrity to help build this thing into a great championship organization." West said that he is "not merely a 'figurehead' in the organization and will spend as much time in Oakland with the team as needed while retaining his home" in L.A. (AP, 5/24). In San Jose, Adam Lauridsen wrote West has given the Warriors "a basketball soul," which is something the team was "desperately in need of." The Warriors needed someone who "could stand up and credibly talk about what it takes not just to win in the NBA, but to win championships." Lauridsen: "I left the conference Tuesday with the firm belief that if things didn't improve, it wouldn't be for a lack of effort on West's part" (MERCURYNEWS.com, 5/24).
ELLISON CONNECTION: CSNBAYAREA.com's Matt Steinmetz noted West "always has been considered the probable point person for Oracle CEO Larry Ellison -- when and if Ellison ever buys an NBA team." West Tuesday was "asked about his relationship with Ellison, and whether or not there was any truth to it all." He said, "To say best friends wouldn't be the truth. To say that I have interacted with him on more than one occasion would be true. ... He's a fascinating guy to be around. He's a winner and wants to win." When asked if there was "something there," West added, "Oh yes, there was" (CSNBAYAREA.com, 5/24).
