It is a "sign of the Warriors’ maturity and setup as a potential dynasty that there hasn’t been more hand-wringing" about the departure of advisor Jerry West to the Clippers, according to Ann Killion of the S.F. CHRONICLE. The Warriors are "sad but not frantic over the departure of one of the great minds in basketball history." With a "heavy assist from West, the Warriors grew into a team that no longer needed him." The Warriors' Bob Myers has "blossomed into one of the best general managers in the league, not only with his ability to spot and sign or draft players, but also with his leadership skills." West "really hasn’t had much to do in recent years," and now Myers is "stepping out on his own." It is an "interesting arc." Warriors co-Owner Joe Lacob hired West in '11 as a statement -- to show new ownership "meant business." West's presence "gave the Warriors instant credibility and gravitas and put the rest of the league on notice." Six years later, the team has two championships, is "set up for the future and no longer presents much of a challenge for West" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 6/17). In S.F., Scott Oslter wrote West’s "greatest contribution to the Warriors" was getting coach Mark Jackson fired. Jackson "knew West was critiquing him to Lacob -- that was one of West’s duties -- and resented West, and insulted him, treating him as an enemy." Without that "mini-feud, it would have been harder for Lacob to make the tough call on firing Jackson" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 6/18).
DRIFTING EYE? CSNBAYAREA.com's Ray Ratto wrote with West gone, Myers now "becomes the next target for an acquisitive owner." He "can have more power if he wants it, he’ll certainly get more money if he wants it, and he might even get a piece of the team a la Billy Beane if he wants it." The idea that things are "too good in Golden State and he loves all his fellow workers too much to leave is laughable." But Myers "may know that this is that once-in-a-career opportunity, and that reveling in it is the smart play." Myers' contract runs through '20, but he will "absolutely listen to and think about an overwhelming offer somewhere down the line" (CSNBAYAREA.com, 6/16).
THE GOOD STUFF: In S.F., Conor Letourneau cited a source as saying that the staging of the Warriors' championship parade last Thursday will cost team co-Owners Lacob and Peter Guber "roughly" $4M. Typically, a city "will help cover the costs." But after discussing the matter with Oakland city officials, who are facing a massive budget shortfall, Lacob and Guber "volunteered to cover the entirety of parade production costs" (SFCHRONICLE.com, 6/16)
