Zaza Pachulia returns to Warriors organization

Zaza Pachulia, a Warriors fan favorite and a contributor to a pair of Warriors championships, retired from the NBA and joined Golden State as a consultant, the team announced Thursday.

The 35-year-old Pachulia, who was the starting center for the Warriors during their title years in 2017 and ’18, spent last season with the Pistons. After ending his 16-year playing career, he’ll contribute to Golden State in both the business and basketball operations, according to Marc Stein of the New York Times.

The hiring of Pachulia was just one of a flurry of front-office moves the team made official.

In another big move, the team promoted Kirk Lacob, owner Joe Lacob’s son who has spent nine years as an integral part of the Warriors’ braintrust, to executive vice president of basketball operations. He was most recently an assistant general manager.

Mike Dunleavy Jr., a former Warriors player, was also given a promotion. After spending last season as a Warriors scout, the former No. 1 pick was elevated to assistant general manager.

In addition, Kent Lacob, the younger son of owner Joe Lacob, was promoted from general manager of the Santa Cruz Warriors to the Warriors’ director of team development. Also, Jacob Rubin becomes the Warriors assistant video coordinator and Ralph Walker returns as the team’s director of security.