In the ruthless landscape of NBA draft decisions, a single choice emerges as the ghostly phantom of remorse for ex-Warriors GM Bob Myers. This draft decision reverberates in the corridors of his thoughts, disrupting his nights with lingering doubt. It all unfolded during the pivotal 2020 NBA Draft, a moment when the Warriors, armed with the second overall pick, opted for center James Wiseman instead of seizing the opportunity to secure rising talents such as LaMelo Ball, Tyrese Haliburton, Tyrese Maxey, and Desmond Bane. The gravity of this Draft Decision became a pivotal juncture in the team’s trajectory, marking a path fraught with controversy and unfulfilled potential.
The Draft Decision That Still Haunts the Warriors
As Myers now analyzes the game from the sidelines as an ESPN “NBA Countdown” analyst, the ghost of passing on Haliburton looms large. A decision that unfolded in the neon-lit streets of Las Vegas during a pre-draft workout. The Warriors’ top brass, including Myers, Steve Kerr, and Joe Lacob, witnessed Haliburton’s unconventional but effective shooting style. A style that left them in awe and sparked a glimmer of doubt about their impending choice.
Myers, reflecting on his internal struggles, reminisced, “The workout took place a few miles away in Vegas. He nailed numerous shots, and as we exchanged glances, we thought, ‘He might have some serious talent.’ What troubles me most is not just the impressive workout, but rather, during our meeting afterward, I should have recognized his character and leadership qualities.”
The Warriors’ decision to opt for Wiseman over Haliburton now stands as a controversial move, a decision that shook the foundations of the team’s future. Haliburton, chosen later by the Sacramento Kings at No. 12, showcased his brilliance in his rookie season before being traded to the Pacers for Domantas Sabonis.
Fast forward to the present, and Haliburton is the driving force behind the Pacers’ unexpected 11-8 start, positioning them as strong contenders in the In-Season Tournament. Myers, with a tinge of remorse, acknowledges Haliburton’s exceptional growth, “He’s showing us now he’s a great player, and this is a fantastic stage for him. But more than that, there’s a lot of players in the NBA that people do not want to play with. If you’re a great player and a great person, then people want to play with you.”
The Warriors, despite their faith in Wiseman’s potential, couldn’t ignore the undeniable success of the player they passed on. A decision that, in hindsight, stands as a colossal mistake, one of the few regrets in Myers’ otherwise illustrious 12-year tenure with the Warriors.
In the unpredictable world of professional basketball, the Haliburton saga becomes a lesson etched in controversy and what-ifs. A tale where talent, character, and the agony of hindsight collide on the grand stage of the NBA.
Comments