The Golden State Warriors have long been a franchise defined by collaboration in their front office, but new reporting suggests that owner Joe Lacob’s influence played a defining role in one of their most debated draft choices. According to Shams Charania, while several individuals within the organization leaned toward selecting Franz Wagner in the 2021 NBA Draft, it was Lacob who pushed hardest for Jonathan Kuminga, ultimately steering the decision.
Diverging Views on Draft Night
In 2021, the Warriors held the No. 7 pick, an unusually high lottery selection for a team fresh off years of dominance. With Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson already established as franchise pillars, the pick was seen as a rare opportunity to bridge the present with the future.
Franz Wagner, a polished forward out of Michigan, had garnered strong support from members of Golden State’s coaching staff and front office. His versatility, basketball IQ, and shooting ability were viewed as an immediate fit alongside Curry and Green. Wagner’s two-way skill set seemed tailor-made for Steve Kerr’s system, which has thrived on ball movement, spacing, and intelligent role players.
But Lacob reportedly had a different vision. He was captivated by Kuminga’s raw athleticism, physical tools, and star potential. Despite being seen as less polished than Wagner, Kuminga offered tantalizing upside. At just 18 years old on draft night, he was one of the youngest players in the class, viewed as a high-ceiling swing who could grow into a franchise cornerstone.
The “Driving Force” Behind the Pick
Shams Charania reported that Lacob was the “driving force” behind the Kuminga selection. While then-team president Bob Myers and assistant general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. were part of the group giving the “collective green light,” it was Lacob’s conviction that tilted the scales.
This decision reflects a broader truth about the Warriors under Lacob: the owner is not a silent figurehead but an active participant in roster construction. From pushing bold moves like the Andrew Wiggins trade to advocating for high-upside draft picks, Lacob has consistently been involved in shaping the team’s direction.
Wagner’s Rise and Kuminga’s Path
Looking back, the debate between Wagner and Kuminga continues to spark discussion. Wagner, drafted eighth by the Orlando Magic, has quickly blossomed into one of the league’s most dependable young forwards. His scoring, playmaking, and steady defensive presence have made him a core piece of Orlando’s rise.
Kuminga’s journey, meanwhile, has been more complicated. While he has shown flashes of elite scoring and athleticism, his role within the Warriors has often been inconsistent. Reports of frustration and dissatisfaction have surfaced, with Kuminga recently turning down a lucrative extension and voicing a desire for a larger role, potentially with another franchise.
For critics, Wagner’s early success raises questions about what might have been if the Warriors had leaned into the coaching staff’s preference. For Lacob, however, the Kuminga pick remains emblematic of his belief in chasing upside and investing in the long-term ceiling rather than immediate fit.
The Legacy of a Decision
The decision to draft Kuminga over Wagner underscores how individual voices within an organization can shape the trajectory of a franchise. Owners often defer to executives and coaches, but Lacob’s insistence on Kuminga highlights his willingness to take bold stances on personnel.
As Kuminga’s future with Golden State hangs in the balance, the 2021 draft decision continues to cast a long shadow. If Kuminga fulfills his potential, Lacob’s gamble will look visionary. If he departs before blossoming, the franchise may be left wondering what Wagner could have brought to an already historic era.
For now, the Kuminga selection stands as one of the defining moments of Lacob’s tenure — a decision driven by conviction, risk, and the pursuit of greatness.
