Mullin Offically Out As Warriors GM: The Coup Is Complete

Earlier tonight, the Warriors have made the expected (and inevitable) official, announcing that Chris Mullin's contract as General Manager will not be extended when it expires on June 30th. Assistant GM Larry Riley will replace Mullin.

Mullin's departure was seen as inevitable for many months, dating back to the Warriors' refusal to extend Baron Davis in the 2008 off-season. However, when the Warriors announced today that Riley would replace Mullin as Golden State's representative to the Draft Lottery next week, it was clear that the end was near.

Mullin's tenue, marked by the assembly of the We Believe team and some second-round draft gems but also picks such as Mike Dunleavy, Troy Murphy, Ike Diogu, and Patrick O'Bryant, started out rocky. But Mullin's decisions to trade for Baron Davis and unload Murphy and Dunleavy for Stephen Jackson largely redeemed him in the eyes of fans.

Riley, meanwhile faces an uphill battle winning over fans. He will be seen as a yes-man to Chris Cohan and Robert Rowell, and even if the Warriors find a way to make the playoffs again, Don Nelson will probably get the credit. However, in the current environment, it's tough to see a way in which Riley can succeed, at least in the short-term. The Warriors have few trade assets, and the projected number seven pick in what is expected to be a weak draft isn't likely to draw a large amount of interest. And cap space is tight, thanks in part to the Stephen Jackson extension.

If the Warriors somehow receive one of the top two picks in the draft, Riley's job will become much easier. But will the basketball gods allow such luck to a franchise that has accumulated so much negative karma over the course of the season?