SAN FRANCISCO — After Sunday night’s disappointing 136-131 loss at Portland, Golden State Warriors Owner Joe Lacob had a brief email conversation with a fan that went public.
Warriors fan Justin Dutari sent a critical note to Lacob a few minutes after the game, saying the team needed a “real second option.” Jimmy Butler’Blaming “equipments being underutilized” and a lack of positional size on the roster.
“I am deeply disappointed,” Dutari concluded his email.
Shortly afterward, Lacob sent this response: “You can’t be as frustrated as I am. I’m working on it. It’s complicated. Styles of play. Coaches’ desires regarding players. League trends. Jimmy is not the problem.”
Dutari published the conversation on Reddit. The Warriors confirmed that Lacob was the one who sent the response.
The back-and-forth conversation, though brief, reveals the simmering anger behind the scenes. The Warriors are 13-14 and stuck in eighth place in the crowded Western Conference, despite high expectations in the preseason as the season waned. Stephen Curry Era.
Lacob’s email particularly highlighted Warriors coach Steve Kerr, who has steadfastly maintained his unique offensive system built around Curry’s strengths. draymond green throughout their 12 seasons (and four title runs) together, even if it conflicted with the ideal system for the young players on the roster.
“No big deal,” Kerr said, acknowledging that he had seen the email. “Don’t worry about anything like that.”
Kerr is in the final season of his contract and announced during training camp that he was not seeking an extension, preferring to let the season finish before discussing his future with the franchise.
Lacob and general manager Mike Dunleavy have consistently voiced strong support for Kerr. Both Curry and Dunleavy have said they want to retain Kerr this season.
“We’re all disappointed,” Kerr said. “Joe is disappointed. I’m disappointed. Steph and [Green]Everyone is disappointed. That’s how the league works. I hate when people are going to post private emails. Imagine how difficult it would be to live our lives if everyone’s emails were posted publicly.
“Joe supports me 100 percent. I support him. We have a very good relationship. We have a lot of continuity here. Our stable environment in our organization is one of our strengths.”
