As Bob Myers approached his first draft as the general manager of the Golden State Warriors in 2012, he felt the pressure of his new job. He had been an agent until a little over a year before then, representing players instead of choosing them. That was different enough.



Myers had spent one year as an assistant general manager, making his transition from one side of the sport to the other while figuring out how to approach the business from the front office. He had been afforded a learning curve for a season and then promoted into the top spot.



The franchise’s rebuild was in his hands. In May and June, he recognized the scope of the position he was in. The Warriors had finished under .500 in 16 of their previous 18 seasons. The first time Myers would have to lead a draft would also be a high-risk proposition. Golden State had pick Nos. 7, 30, 35 and 50. It was a good way to turn a team around or for it to continue on its losing ways.



“This is a...