Former NBA champion Zaza Pachulia detailed his responsibilities as Golden State Warriors basketball operations consultant during a recent appearance on the Fullcourt Passport podcast with Ric Bucher and Bostjan Nachbar.
Pachulia explained, “First, like when I retired and joined the Warriors, I was doing everything, like literally everything… I just wanted to connect the dots and start spending time with different departments.”
He added that his role has since focused on bridging the business and basketball sides of the organization. “Now, basically, I represent the business side for the basketball and basketball department to the business side. I sit on leadership meetings, spend time with our corporate partnership team, ownership group, and young players we’re drafting… Just being a resource for anyone.”
Pachulia described his front office duties as an extension of his player mindset. “I’m still setting the strings,” the Georgian explained his role. He also discussed mentoring young players, emphasizing the importance of proving oneself in training camp and earning trust, not expecting opportunities to be given automatically.
Reflecting on his career path, Pachulia cited his European roots as critical to his development. “European culture definitely helped me to prepare mentally, not only physically, but mentally as well, to prepare me for this war and these levels,” he said. Pachulia highlighted the growing role of international executives in the NBA, pointing to the Spurs and Nuggets as pioneers in incorporating global talent into front offices.
Pachulia also spoke about his personal journey from Georgia to Turkey at age 14, the challenges he faced, and the influence of his first coach, Zura. “I give a lot of credit to my first coach… He inspired so many people like myself. He basically dedicated all his life to this game,” Pachulia said, calling his formative years a foundation for his professional mindset.
He praised the Georgia national team, noting the leadership of Toko Shengelia. “He’s done a phenomenal job leading the team… His passion and dedication to the game are what makes international players so valuable,” Pachulia explained. He emphasized that international players often maintain a focus on love for the game amid the NBA’s business and glamour.
Pachulia concluded by reflecting on his personal fulfillment from basketball: “Nothing else matters… I gave everything I had to basketball… I fall in love with this game when I was young. Until I retired, I gave everything I had—from discipline, work ethic, to learning from mistakes. That fulfills you and makes you proud.”
