Success leads to flattery, which begets mimicry. Tremendous success leads to breathless flattery and ceaseless mimicry.
That's where the Warriors are these days, a model franchise with a brain trust has gained respect across the NBA.
That's why personnel executive Travis Schlenk is being recruited away by the Atlanta Hawks.
A superb talent evaluator who doesn't stalk the spotlight, Schlenk is in negotiations to become Atlanta's general manager and it is anticipated an agreement will be reached within 24 hours, NBCSportsBayArea.com confirmed through league sources on Wednesday.
That the Hawks targeted Schlenk as their next general manager was first reported by Adrian Wojnarowski The Vertical.
Schlenk, 43, has served in various capacities for the Warriors since joining the franchise 2004, becoming assistant GM in 2001 and most recently serving as vice president of basketball operations and assistant GM.
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He has had considerable input in Warriors drafting decisions in recent years and was a particularly vocal advocate for such selections as Draymond Green and Pat McCaw, among others.
Much of the appeal of the Atlanta job stems from the team having 11 picks over the next three drafts.
Schlenk, whose scouting instincts will be missed, is set to become the first key departure from the staff and roster that have been together throughout this season.
Assistant coach Luke Walton, who served as acting head coach for 43 games last season, was recruited away a year ago to become head coach of the Lakers. Assistant coach Alvin Gentry was recruited away in May 2015 to become head coach of the Pelicans.
