What Happened to Zaur "Zaza" Pachulia?
Zaza Pachulia is a Georgian professional basketball executive and former player, best known for his 16-year NBA career, which included winning two championships with the Golden State Warriors. Since retiring from playing in 2019, he has served as a basketball operations consultant for the Warriors and has expanded a diverse portfolio of business ventures, including a recent ownership stake in a Major League Volleyball team set to debut in 2027.
Quick Answer
Zaza Pachulia retired from his 16-year NBA playing career in August 2019 and immediately transitioned into a front office role as a basketball operations consultant for the Golden State Warriors. In this capacity, he earned a third NBA championship in 2022. Beyond basketball, Pachulia is a successful entrepreneur with investments in real estate, fitness franchises, and a Georgian shoe brand, Crosty. As of June 2026, he is also a partner in a new Major League Volleyball franchise in Northern California, which is slated to begin play in 2027.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Born in Tbilisi, Georgian SSR
Zaur 'Zaza' Pachulia was born in Tbilisi, Georgian SSR, Soviet Union.
Drafted by Orlando Magic
Pachulia was selected by the Orlando Magic as the 42nd overall pick in the second round of the NBA draft.
Stint with Atlanta Hawks
Pachulia played for the Atlanta Hawks for eight seasons, establishing himself as a consistent NBA center.
Traded to Dallas Mavericks
Pachulia was traded to the Dallas Mavericks, where he had a strong season, recording a career-best 22 double-doubles.
Signs with Golden State Warriors
Pachulia signed with the Golden State Warriors, a move he later called one of the best decisions of his life.
Wins First NBA Championship
Pachulia wins his first NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors, becoming the first Georgian player to do so.
Retires from Georgian National Team
After Eurobasket 2017, Pachulia announced his retirement from the Georgian national basketball team.
Wins Second NBA Championship
Pachulia secures his second consecutive NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors.
Signs with Detroit Pistons
Pachulia signed with the Detroit Pistons for his final playing season in the NBA.
Retires and Joins Warriors Front Office
Pachulia officially retired from playing and rejoined the Golden State Warriors as a front office consultant in their basketball operations department.
Wins Third NBA Championship (as executive)
As a basketball operations consultant, Pachulia earned his third NBA championship ring with the Warriors.
Details Warriors Front Office Role and Business Ventures
Pachulia discussed his responsibilities as a Warriors consultant and his various business interests, including hotels and the Crosty shoe brand, on the Fullcourt Passport podcast.
Appears on 'Dubs Talk' Podcast, Announces Volleyball Ownership
Pachulia discussed the Warriors' season and announced his involvement as a partner in the ownership group for a Major League Volleyball Northern California franchise, set to begin play in 2027.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Zaza Pachulia, born on February 10, 1984, carved out a notable 16-year career in the National Basketball Association, playing for seven different teams after being drafted by the Orlando Magic in 2003. He became a household name during his tenure with the Golden State Warriors, where his physical play and veteran presence contributed to back-to-back NBA championships in 2017 and 2018.
Upon concluding his playing career with the Detroit Pistons in 2019, Pachulia made a seamless transition into the Golden State Warriors' front office, joining as a basketball operations consultant on August 29, 2019. This move allowed him to remain deeply involved with the sport and the organization where he achieved his greatest playing successes. In this executive role, he continued his championship legacy, earning a third NBA ring when the Warriors won the 2022 NBA Finals.
Pachulia's role as a consultant is multifaceted, bridging the gap between the business and basketball departments. He participates in leadership meetings, engages with corporate partnerships, and mentors young players, drawing on his extensive experience as a player. He has described his duties as an extension of his player mindset, emphasizing the importance of hard work and earning opportunities.
Beyond basketball, Pachulia has cultivated a significant entrepreneurial presence. His business ventures, primarily based in his native Georgia, include partnerships in the leading Georgian development company Archi, the CROSTY shoe brand, and ownership of two hotels, ZP Palace and Hotel ZP. He also founded the Zaza Pachulia Basketball Academy in 2015, aimed at developing young talent, and operates as a master franchisee and area developer for Snap Fitness 24/7. These ventures demonstrate his commitment to business and community development, often drawing on lessons learned from earlier, less successful investments in the restaurant industry.
As of June 2026, Pachulia remains an active and influential figure. He recently appeared on the 'Dubs Talk' podcast on June 1, 2026, discussing the Warriors' season and his ongoing contributions to the organization. A significant new development is his partnership in the ownership group for a Major League Volleyball Northern California franchise, which is slated to begin play in 2027, further diversifying his business interests within the sports landscape.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Zaur "Zaza" Pachulia made different choices?