Warriors Owner Joe Lacob Admits He Underestimated His Team's Stars

The Golden State Warriors owner, Joe Lacob, is a polarizing figure. On the one hand, he is one of the most passionate and involved owners in the NBA. He has spent the money to help the Warriors contend, not worrying about large tax penalties. With that comes the bad as well. Lacob continues to let his personal opinions affect the decision-making side of the Warriors' front office. 

This is why fans are so hot-and-cold on Lacob. Yes, he spent the money to help the Warriors stay contenders, but he is also the reason they drafted James Wiseman and Jonathan Kuminga instead of more polished prospects.

These choices were part of Lacob’s “two-timeline” strategy—one where he was hoping to both compete during Stephen Curry’s later prime and develop young players to take over the franchise once Curry left.

In a recent interview on the TK Show, Lacob admitted he may have made a mistake by rushing the new era while Curry and Draymond were still in their prime.  

“I’m gonna have to be really honest here…if you had asked me…5, 10 years ago, would these guys be playing and playing at this level…I would not have predicted that.”

This is why Warriors fans have been so frustrated with Lacob. Many believe that if he had committed more to maximizing Curry’s prime, the Warriors would maybe have another championship to show for it. 

The Warriors have now given up on the two-timeline strategy and are doing what they can to surround Curry with the best possible roster. The question is, did they make that strategic pivot too late?