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Bob Myers Thought He Would Get Fired As Warriors GM In Just His 3rd Game
Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Bob Myers, former General Manager of the Golden State Warriors, shared a revealing anecdote about his early days with the organization during an appearance on 'The Old Man & The Three' show hosted by JJ Redick. Recounting a pivotal moment that left him fearing for his job, Myers reflected on a challenging experience that tested his resolve.

"There was a situation where something came up in the media, I won't rehash it, and there was a dispute over an injury report on a player. And as you know, if you're our player and you get hurt and I say, JJ, we're going to put this in there and you go, I don't want that in there."

"So I'll just say, you know, miscommunication. And it came out that it wasn't accurate. So I had to sit up there and kind of take that bullet and say, hey, that was on me. I remember, I think it was game three of my first year as GM, and we were like 1-1."

"And I did this pre-game talk back with the local network and they asked me about it. I kind of fumbled or I didn't get it right. I remember walking off the court and Joe Lacob, my owner watched it and I walked by him, 'He goes yeah, I watched that,  wasn't great.'"

"So I'm thinking I'm a week on the job, I'm gonna get fired. Everybody thinks I'm not doing this well... I think what the game was against the Nuggets and I think the game went into overtime. I swear my heart was pounding worse than an NBA Finals game. I was more calm in 22 watching the NBA Finals game than I was in game four or three of my early GM tenure."

The incident in question revolved around a dispute regarding an injury report on a player, leading to a media miscommunication. Myers found himself in the hot seat, taking responsibility for the error despite it being a result of miscommunication. As a rookie GM, facing such public scrutiny and pressure was daunting, especially considering the high stakes of NBA management.

During a pre-game interview in just his third game as GM, Myers stumbled over his words when addressing the issue. His owner, Joe Lacob, watched the interview and expressed disappointment, leaving Myers feeling uncertain about his future with the team. The weight of the situation compounded as the game progressed, with Myers grappling with the fear of imminent dismissal.

Despite the Warriors being only three games into the season, Myers felt the intensity of the moment as if it were a crucial NBA Finals game. The pressure to perform and meet the expectations of ownership weighed heavily on him, leading to palpable anxiety throughout the game against the Nuggets, which went into overtime.

Reflecting on the experience, Myers admitted to feeling more nervous during that early juncture of his tenure than during pivotal moments in NBA Finals games. The episode served as a baptism by fire for Myers, highlighting the unforgiving nature of professional sports management and the steep learning curve associated with the role of a general manager in the NBA.

Bob Myers Misses Stephen Curry

Bob Myers, the former General Manager of the Golden State Warriors, recently shared a poignant moment from his departure from the team, revealing an untold story about saying goodbye to Stephen Curry. In an interview on JJ Redick's podcast, "The Old Man & the Three," Myers opened up about the emotional farewell to the Warriors' superstar.

The decision to leave the franchise after a twelve-year tenure was undoubtedly difficult for Myers. However, what made the departure particularly challenging was bidding farewell to Curry, a player he had formed a deep connection with over the years.

Reflecting on the farewell dinner with Curry, Myers disclosed that he couldn't help but shed tears as he delivered the news of his departure. It wasn't about leaving behind championship aspirations or professional achievements; rather, it was the prospect of not seeing Curry every day that stirred his emotions.

Myers emphasized Curry's character and genuine nature, describing him as a beacon of positivity and sincerity. Curry's presence had been a source of light and inspiration for Myers, making it especially tough to part ways.

The emotional moment underscored the profound impact Curry had on Myers, both personally and professionally. Beyond the basketball court, Curry's authenticity and kindness resonated deeply with Myers, leaving a void that was felt upon his departure from the team.

As the Warriors navigate the post-Myers era, Curry's influence remains undiminished. While Myers may no longer be part of the organization, his fondness for Curry and appreciation for their time together serve as a reminder of the lasting bonds forged within the Warriors' franchise.

This article first appeared on Fadeaway World and was syndicated with permission.

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