(Image credit: thesportsrush.com)
In the high-stakes world of professional basketball, few figures have left as indelible a mark as Bob Myers. From his humble beginnings as a walk-on player at UCLA to becoming the Golden State Warriors dynasty architect, Myers’ career trajectory reads like a sports management fairy tale. But make no mistake – his ascent to the top of the NBA executive ranks was no accident.
Born on March 31, 1975, in Danville, California, Robert Michael Myers grew up with a passion for basketball that would shape his entire life. Standing at an impressive 6’7″, Myers had the physical gifts of a player, but his keen mind for the game would ultimately define his legacy.
This blog post delves into the remarkable story of Bob Myers, exploring how a former benchwarmer transformed into one of the most respected and successful executives in NBA history.
From his early days as a sports agent to his tenure as the Golden State Warriors President of Basketball Operations, we’ll examine the critical decisions, philosophies, and personal qualities that propelled Myers to the pinnacle of the basketball world.
Along the way, we’ll uncover valuable lessons in leadership, team building, and managing talent and personalities in the pressure cooker of professional sports.
After high school, Myers attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) from 1993 to 1997. At UCLA, he joined the men’s basketball team and was part of the 1995 NCAA championship team under coach Jim Harrick.
While his playing time was limited, the experience gave him valuable insights into high-level basketball operations and team dynamics.
Following his undergraduate studies, Myers pursued a law degree at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, graduating in 2002. This legal education would later prove invaluable in his sports agent and executive career.
Early Career as a Sports Agent:
After law school, Myers began his professional career in the sports industry as an intern with renowned sports agent Arn Tellem at SFX Sports. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a full-time agent and eventually a vice president at the firm, which later became Wasserman Media Group.
As an agent, Myers represented numerous NBA players, including Kendrick Perkins, Tyreke Evans, and Brandon Roy. His work as an agent gave him extensive experience in contract negotiations, player relations, and the inner workings of NBA front offices.
Transition to NBA Front Office:
In 2011, Myers made a significant career shift when he joined the Golden State Warriors organization as an assistant general manager under then-GM Larry Riley. This move began one of the most successful executive tenures in NBA history.
Golden State Warriors Era:
- Ascension to General Manager: Just a year after joining the Warriors, in April 2012, Myers was promoted to general manager, replacing Larry Riley. At 37 years old, he became one of the youngest GMs in the NBA.
- Building a Dynasty: Myers played a crucial role in transforming the Warriors from a struggling franchise into a dynasty. Some of his key moves included:
- Drafting Draymond Green in the second round of the 2012 NBA Draft.
- Hiring Steve Kerr as head coach in 2014.
- Resisting trade offers for Klay Thompson, maintaining the “Splash Brothers” duo with Stephen Curry.
- Signing Kevin Durant in free agency in 2016.
- Managing the salary cap to keep the team’s core together for multiple championship runs.
- Championships and Accolades: Under Myers’ tenure, the Warriors won NBA championships in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022. The team also set an NBA record with 73 wins in the 2015-16 regular season.
Myers was named NBA Basketball Executive of the Year twice, in 2015 and 2017, recognizing his exceptional work building and maintaining a championship-caliber team.
- Player Development and Team Culture: Beyond acquiring talent, Myers was instrumental in fostering a team culture that prioritized player development, unselfishness, and a modern style of play. This culture became known as the “Warriors Way” and was widely admired and emulated across the league.
- Handling Adversity: Myers’ tenure also saw him navigate significant challenges, including:
- Kevin Durant’s departure in free agency.
- Klay Thompson’s consecutive season-ending injuries.
- The team’s struggles in the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons.
- Managing the team’s historically high luxury tax bills.
- Final Years with the Warriors: In Myers’ later years with the organization, he focused on balancing the team’s win-now mentality with future planning. This included drafting young talents like James Wiseman, Jonathan Kuminga, and Moses Moody while maintaining the team’s veteran core.
In May 2023, Myers announced that he would be stepping down from his position with the Warriors at the end of the 2022-23 season, ending his 11-year tenure with the organization.
Post-Warriors Career:
In April 2024, Myers had yet to take on another full-time executive role in the NBA. However, given his reputation and expertise, he remained a highly sought-after figure in basketball.
He may have pursued opportunities in broadcasting, consulting, or other areas of sports management.
Financial Details:
Some general insights based on available information up to April 2024:
Salary with the Warriors:
It was reported that Myers was among the highest-paid executives in the NBA during his time with the Warriors.
Estimates suggested his annual salary in his later years with the team was $5 million to $7 million yearly.
Contract Extensions: Myers signed multiple contract extensions with the Warriors, including a reported three-year extension in 2016 and another extension in 2019 that was set to run through the 2023-24 season before he decided to step down.
Bonuses and Incentives: As is typical for high-level sports executives, Myers’ contracts likely included performance bonuses tied to team success, potentially including additional compensation for NBA championships and other achievements.
Net Worth Estimates: While net worth figures for non-public figures are often speculative, some financial websites estimated Myers’ net worth to be $15 million to $25 million as of 2023.
This would account for his years of high salary with the Warriors and potential investments.
Post-Warriors Earnings: Myers’ earning potential remained high after leaving the Warriors. Whether through a new executive role, media appearances, speaking engagements, or consulting work, he was well-positioned to continue earning a substantial income.
Here’s a table with insights into Bob Myers’ critical personal and financial details based on the most recent information available as of April 2024.
Attribute Information
Insights into Bob Myers’ key personal and financial details.
| Attribute | Information |
| Full Name | Robert Michael “Bob” Myers |
| Date of Birth | March 31, 1975 |
| Age | 49 years (as of 2024) |
| Height | Approximately 6’7″ (2.01 m) |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | $15 million – $25 million |
| Last Known Salary (with Warriors) | Estimated $5 million – $7 million per year |
| Primary Income Source | NBA Executive (formerly) |
| Current Position | Unspecified (as of April 2024) |
| Education | UCLA (Bachelor’s degree), Loyola Law School (J.D.) |
| Notable Achievements | 2x NBA Executive of the Year (2015, 2017) |
| NBA Championships (as Warriors GM) | 4 (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022) |
Personal Life and Philanthropy:
Bob Myers is married to Kristen Myers, and they have three daughters. The family has been involved in various charitable endeavors in the Bay Area.
Myers has been open about his struggles with anxiety and has become an advocate for mental health awareness in sports.
He has spoken publicly about the importance of mental health support for athletes and executives in high-pressure environments.
Through the Warriors Community Foundation, Myers was involved in numerous community initiatives, including youth education and health programs in the Bay Area.
Legacy and Impact on the NBA:
(Image credit: usatoday.com)
Bob Myers’ tenure with the Golden State Warriors left an indelible mark on the NBA.
His approach to team building, which balanced analytics with traditional scouting and emphasized character alongside talent, became a model for other franchises.
Myers was known for his interpersonal skills, which allowed him to build strong relationships with players, coaches, and other executives.
This ability to connect with people at all levels of the organization was cited as a critical factor in the Warriors’ success.
His success in constructing a team that revolutionized NBA gameplay, emphasizing three-point shooting and positionless basketball, influenced strategy league-wide.
Myers’ journey from sports agent to NBA executive paved the way for others with similar backgrounds to transition into front-office roles, expanding the talent pool for NBA management positions.
Conclusion: Bob Myers’ career trajectory from a walk-on college player to one of his generation’s most successful NBA executives is a testament to his skills, work ethic, and basketball acumen.
His tenure with the Golden State Warriors coincided with one of the most dominant runs in NBA history, cementing his place among the league’s most respected figures.
Myers’ impact extends far beyond monetary measures, encompassing his influence on NBA strategy, team-building philosophy, and the broader conversation around mental health in sports.
As the NBA continues to evolve, Bob Myers’ legacy as an architect of a modern dynasty and his holistic approach to team management will likely continue to influence the league for years to come.
Here’s a list of references: –
- 1. Golden State Warriors Official Website
- Team history and executive profiles URL: www.nba.com/warriors
2. NBA.com
· Executive profiles and award history URL: www.nba.com
3. Sports Illustrated
· Various articles on Myers’ tenure with the Warriors URL: www.si.com
4. The Athletic
· In-depth coverage of NBA front office operations URL: www.theathletic.com
5. ESPN
· News articles and analysis of Myers’ career URL: www.espn.com
6. San Francisco Chronicle
· Local coverage of Warriors and Myers URL: www.sfchronicle.com
7. “Basketball: A Love Story” by Jackie MacMullan, Rafe Bartholomew, and Dan Klores
· A book providing context on NBA history and management
8. UCLA Athletics Website
· Information on Myers’ college career URL: www.uclabruins.com
9. Forbes
· Articles on NBA team valuations and executive compensation URL: www.forbes.com
10. The Ringer
· NBA analysis and features URL: www.theringer.com
11. “Betaball: How Silicon Valley and Science Built One of the Greatest Basketball Teams in History” by Erik Malinowski
· A book detailing the rise of the Warriors
12. TED Talk: “The Golden State Warriors’ Secret Weapon? Team Chemistry” by Bob Myers· Direct insights from Myers on team building