Former Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers revealed that six-time NBA All-Star Jermaine O'Neal gave him essential advice in 2014, a move that helped shape the franchise's championship dynasty. This insight into the team's foundational years surfaces as the current Warriors roster faces a difficult stretch, including a 115-110 loss to the LA Clippers on April 13, 2026.
What role did Jermaine O'Neal play for the Warriors?
Jermaine O'Neal played his final NBA season with the Golden State Warriors in 2013-14. He provided a veteran presence for a young core featuring Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Andre Iguodala. After the Warriors were eliminated in the first round of the 2014 playoffs, O'Neal had a private conversation with then-GM Bob Myers.
Myers shared the story on the Cousins podcast with Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady. He was expecting O'Neal to announce his retirement. Instead, the veteran big man offered a different perspective on the team's future.
"I'm thinking he's going to tell me he's retired and thank you for the year," Myers said. O'Neal told him to keep the team together. He saw the potential in the young players and believed they could win a championship.
Why was O'Neal's advice so important?
At that moment, Myers was evaluating a roster that had just lost a tough seven-game series. He was looking at Curry's emergence, Klay Thompson's development, and the contributions from Harrison Barnes and Draymond Green. O'Neal's endorsement from a player's viewpoint carried significant weight.
His advice reinforced the front office's belief in their core. It came from an 18-year veteran who had seen great teams. This external validation helped solidify the decision not to make major changes. The Warriors' front office listened, and the rest is NBA history.
They went on to win four championships, creating a modern dynasty. The league's competitive balance rules, like the second salary cap apron, were partly a response to their success. That makes the Warriors' run potentially the last of its kind.
What is the current state of the Golden State Warriors?
The legacy of that 2014 team stands in contrast to recent results. The Warriors' current form shows the challenges of maintaining elite performance. Their last five games resulted in one win and four losses, a 1W-0D-4L record.
They are on a four-game losing streak, with their most recent victory coming before that slide. The specific 115-110 defeat to the Clippers in April 2026 is part of that tough run. Fans can track the team's attempt to turn things around on the official schedule page.
This context makes the story of O'Neal's advice more poignant. It highlights how foundational decisions over a decade ago built a champion. Now, the franchise must find new answers to return to the top of the NBA standings.
Bob Myers's recollection provides a fascinating look behind the scenes. It shows how a single conversation with a respected veteran can influence major franchise decisions. For the Warriors, that chat helped unlock a dynasty.
