BREAKING NEWS: Joe Lacob Breaks Down in Tears Addressing Warriors’ Controversial Draft Decision
Golden State Warriors majority owner Joe Lacob was visibly emotional and broke down in tears today during a press conference addressing the team’s highly controversial decision not to draft a goaltender in the 2025 NBA Draft — a move that has stunned fans, confused analysts, and ignited fierce debate across the basketball world.
The team’s choice came in the wake of the retirement of veteran center Kevon Looney, who announced earlier this summer that he would be stepping away from the game after a decade of service to the franchise and three NBA championships.
“Our fans deserve transparency,” Lacob said as he struggled to maintain composure. “This was not an easy decision, and I know many of you are questioning it. I’ve questioned it myself.”
In a draft class stacked with elite rim protectors and athletic big men, the Warriors instead used their first-round pick on Sharif Wallace, a 6’5” scoring guard out of the University of Texas, bypassing several available goaltending prospects including 7’1” defensive phenom Mateusz Nowicki from Poland and Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year Elijah Ford.
The backlash was immediate, with fans flooding social media and local sports radio with concerns over the team’s lack of size and interior defense going into a highly competitive Western Conference season.
Head Coach Steve Kerr, speaking shortly after Lacob, tried to calm the storm.
“Sharif is a special talent. We saw an opportunity to add a dynamic scorer who can help us now and in the future. We have plans to address our size through other avenues — free agency, trades — but we went with the best player available on our board.”
Still, for a team looking to rebuild its identity after the twilight of the Stephen Curry era, the choice not to address one of their most glaring needs has left many scratching their heads.
Lacob, who has been known for his hands-on approach and bold decision-making, left the podium visibly shaken.
“I’ve always said we’re trying to win championships, not popularity contests,” he said, voice cracking. “But this one hurt. Because I know how much this team means to this city.”
The Warriors are expected to make additional roster moves before training camp opens later this month. Whether those moves will quiet the critics — or further fuel the fire — remains to be seen.
