Ryan in as GM
PJ Dozier is the Warriors lone bright spot
Oakland, CA - News quickly spread across northern California last night that changes were happening in the Golden State Warriors front office. In an unfortunate turn of events, Warriors GM cyrisnite (Jeff) resigned from the GM position due to personal reasons. Warriors ownership were surprised by the news but wanted to act quickly in finding a replacement. There were several options for the job, but the Warriors ultimately made the call to cb4raptorscb4 (Ryan) who recently became an Assistant GM with the Washington Wizards. Understanding this was an opportunity to take over the reigns of a professional team once more, Ryan jumped at the offer and signed the dotted line immediately.
Ryan has a fairly successful history in management basketball teams, but turning the Warriors around will be an interesting task. The Warriors currently sit at 29-39 in the middle of the Pacific division. Golden State may be 9th in the West, but the 8th place Kings are 8 games ahead. The two teams in Los Angeles are struggling mightily this season, but could both end up in the top 3 of the upcoming CSL draft this offseason, which has names such as Zion Williamson and Luka Doncic, who could quickly turn a franchise around. The Warriors are a combined 5-0 against both LA teams this season and will have three more opportunities to face them.
The Warriors meanwhile will have two first round draft picks (Warriors and Wizards) and one second round pick (Lakers) to play with this offseason. With the Lakers sitting in last place, that second round pick is essentially a late first round pick. Interestingly, and maybe thankfully, more than half the team will be entering free agency. The only players under contract for next season are PJ Dozier, Mitchell Robinson, Anzejs Pasecniks, Shabazz Napier, and Thomas Welsh who will make a combined $12 million or so. Forward Henry Ellenson, a former 7th overall pick, is coming off his rookie contract and will be a restricted free agent. The 6'11 23 year old is averaging 13.9 ppg this season. Add in a few more million for the draft picks, and the Warriors are looking at a boat load of cap space and a lot of open roster spots. The draft picks are looking to be in the 10-14 range right now, so it will be interesting to see what Ryan's plans are for the roster.
It's safe to say that Ryan will be a busy man over the next few months as the season winds down.
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