The Golden State Warriors dumped executive vice president of basketball operations Chris Mullin and promoted Larry Riley into a general manager's role.
The National Basketball Association club decided not to renew the contract of Mullin, a former standout player with the club, and instead revamped the front office by promoting assistant general manager Riley.
"It?s never an easy decision to make a change," Warriors president Robert Rowell said. "This case is compounded by the fact it involves Chris Mullin -- someone who has provided Bay Area fans with many great memories over the years.
"He?s a class individual who will always be remembered for his accomplishments with the Warriors organization."
Mullin, 45, has a deal that expires June 30. He has been in the post for five years but lost out in some conflicts with Rowell last season over the team's direction. The Warriors missed the playoffs after a 29-53 season.
Mullin played 13 of his 16 NBA seasons at Golden State before retiring in 2001.
Riley, 64, was promoted to the assistant general manager job last November after serving as an assistant coach. He was a former player personnel director with the Vancouver Grizzlies, now based in Memphis, and a scout and assistant coach for six years each at Milwaukee and Dallas.
Copyright 2009 AFP American Edition
