It’s funny how we look at sports.
We love the guy scoring the basket or the one dunking.
But honestly, if you want to understand how a team wins championships, you have to look at the guy wearing the suit.
That guy is Bob Myers.
Most people don’t realize he was actually a 6th round pick.
I mean, really, a 6th rounder? It feels almost impossible to believe that someone with those humble beginnings is now the architect of one of the most valuable sports franchises on earth. Here’s the interesting part.
But here is the thing: Bob Myers didn’t just get lucky.
He built an empire.
Table of Contents
- Who is Bob Myers?
- The 6th Round Beginning: Playing Career
- Pivoting to the Front Office
- Building the Warriors Dynasty: The Trade Strategy
- Bob Myers Salary and Net Worth Breakdown
- How to Follow in His Footsteps
Who is Bob Myers?
Bob Myers is a former professional basketball player and current executive.
He served as the General Manager of the Golden State Warriors from 2012 to 2024.
From what I’ve seen in the industry, he is widely considered one of the most underrated executives in NBA history.
While stars like Stephen Curry get the credit, Myers is the guy making the tough calls that keep the team competitive year after year.
The 6th Round Beginning: Playing Career
Okay, let’s rewind.
Before he was signing checks for million-dollar players, Myers was wearing a jersey.
He played 11 seasons in the NBA, bouncing around teams like the Clippers and Celtics.
He wasn’t a superstar.
He wasn’t averaging 20 points a game.
In fact, he was drafted 38th overall in the 2003 NBA Draft.
That’s deep.
Being a 6th round pick usually means you’re fighting for a roster spot every single year.
Myers was different.
He was a smart player, a good shooter, and a guy who understood the game on a deeper level than a lot of guys with more hype.
He retired in 2014, which might seem like a shock to some people.
But looking back, it seems like he saw the writing on the wall.
He knew his playing days were limited, so he started looking for a way to stay involved with the game permanently.
Pivoting to the Front Office
How did he get into the front office? It’s a story about connections and timing.
After retirement, Myers joined the Los Angeles Lakers as an assistant coach.
But he didn’t stay there long.
He quickly realized that he didn’t have the patience for the coaching grind.
He wanted to be the decision-maker.
In 2011, he took a job with the Golden State Warriors as a special assistant to the general manager.
It was a low-key role, but he was learning the ropes.
It didn’t take long for the Warriors to see what he could do. Now think about that for a second.
In 2012, they promoted him to General Manager.
It was a bold move.
The team was struggling at the time, but Myers saw potential where others didn’t.
Building the Warriors Dynasty: The Trade Strategy
Here is where the real magic happened.
Bob Myers changed how the NBA thinks about building a team.
Most GMs try to buy talent.
They trade draft picks and big contracts to get stars.
Myers did the opposite.
He traded away established players like Klay Thompson and Andrew Bogut to get future assets.
- Asset Accumulation: He focused on collecting draft picks and young players.
- Salary Cap Management: He managed the cap space perfectly to sign stars like Kevin Durant.
- Player Development: He trusted coaches like Steve Kerr to develop young talent.
It was a risk.
A huge one.
But it paid off big time. And this is where things get interesting.
The Warriors won championships in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022.
They became the first dynasty of the social media era.
If you want to learn how to build a business, look at his trade strategy.
It’s not about spending money; it’s about acquiring value.
Bob Myers Salary and Net Worth Breakdown
You might be wondering how much this guy makes.
Being a top executive in the NBA comes with a pretty hefty paycheck.
When he was first hired as GM, his salary was estimated to be around $1.5 million a year.
Now? It’s likely much higher, especially considering the championships and the team’s increased valuation.
The Golden State Warriors are now worth billions, so the executive compensation usually goes up with the team’s success.
Outside of his NBA salary, he probably has some investments, but the bulk of his wealth comes from his tenure with the Warriors. Oddly enough,
It’s a career that proves experience matters more than hype.
How to Follow in His Footsteps
If you are interested in sports management or business, Bob Myers is a great role model.
Here is what you need to do:
- Get Experience: He didn’t start as a GM.
He worked his way up from the bench.
You need to get your foot in the door first.
- Be Analytical: He is a numbers guy.
You need to understand data, contracts, and cap space.
- Build Relationships: He knew the right people in the league. Now think about that for a second.
Networking is key in any industry.
Most people overlook this part.
It’s not just about being smart; it’s about being in the right place at the right time.
Bob Myers was ready when the Warriors were ready to listen.
So, the next time you watch a Warriors game, don’t just watch the score.
Watch the sidelines.
You’ll see a guy who did it the hard way.
Image source: pexels.com
and are two excellent resources if you want to dig deeper into the mechanics of NBA team building.
Monetization Note
If you’re looking to start your own career in a high-stakes field like sports management, having a mentor or a solid guide is invaluable.
I personally recommend checking out if you want a structured approach to career planning.
It’s not specific to sports, but the principles of professional growth are the same everywhere.
Understanding the business side of things is where the real money is made.
It’s not always about being the best player; sometimes, it’s about being the smartest guy in the room.
shows how market value shifts over time, which is exactly how Bob Myers thinks when negotiating trades.
Thanks for reading. And this is where things get interesting.
Hope you enjoyed this look at one of the NBA’s quietest geniuses.
for more on player retirement strategies.
is a great read if you are curious about the financial side of professional sports.
Here’s the interesting part.
Image source credit: pexels.com