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The Golden State Warriors originated in Philadelphia before moving to California. Here are the best players in their franchise's rich and successful history.
Younger basketball fans recognize the Golden State Warriors dominating run during the late 2010s and early 2020s. They’ve won four NBA championships, including back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018. Their 2022 championship run is also the stuff of legends after finishing third in the Western Conference before defeating the Boston Celtics in six games.
However, the franchise’s history is more than this dynasty. They are one of the original members of the Basketball Association of America, the predecessor of the National Basketball Association. Back then, they were known as the Philadelphia Warriors. But in 1962, Franklin Mieuli moved the team to California after becoming the team’s majority owner.
They were known as the San Francisco Warriors until they switched to the state’s official nickname in 1971. Several NBA players who donned the team’s uniform became legends and Hall of Famers. But here are the best competitors who have proudly represented the Dubs.
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Honorable Mention: Al Attles
Alvin Austin Attles Jr. may not have the impressive stats that other players on this list had. He only averaged 8.9 points per game in 11 years. However, it’s hard to undermine his impact on the franchise. After playing his entire NBA career with the Warriors franchise, he also served as the team’s head coach and general manager.
Attles is also one of the team’s ambassadors since 1987. He has worked for the organization in official capacities for over six decades. No wonder it was easy for the franchise to retire his number 16 jersey, one of only seven numbers the Warriors have on the rafters as of the 2022-23 NBA season.
10. Tim Hardaway
It’s hard not to mention the words “Killer Crossover” after his name. But Timothy Duane Hardaway Sr. is more than just a point guard with slick ball-handling skills. The Warriors drafted him 14th overall in the 1989 NBA Draft, and he became an instant sensation after being named to the 1990 NBA All-Rookie First Team. During his seven-year stint with Golden State, he became a three-time All-Star and a 1992 All-NBA Second Team member.
9. Chris Mullin
Christopher Paul Mullin has been the Golden State Warriors’ franchise player since the team drafted him in 1985. He played for the Warriors until 1997, becoming a five-time NBA All-Star. Mullin was also a 1992 All-NBA First Team member. This member of the high-octane "Run TMC" trio in the early 90s also made it to the All-NBA Second Team in 1989 and 1991. The Warriors have retired Mullin’s number 17 jersey.
8. Klay Thompson
It’s challenging to stop Klay Alexander Thompson once he has his shooting working for him. That’s why he holds the NBA record for most points in a quarter (37) and most three-pointers made in a game (14). Aside from scoring, this “Splash Brothers” member can also shut down opponents, as proven by his 2019 NBA All-Defensive Second Team selection. Thompson is also a five-time NBA All-Star and an All-NBA Third Team member in 2015 and 2016.
7. Neil Johnston
His name might not ring a bell when you first hear it. But Donald Neil Johnston is a part of the Philadelphia Warriors squad that won the 1956 NBA championship. The center from Ohio State was also a six-time NBA All-Star and four-time All-NBA First Team selection throughout his nine-year stint.
Johnston also led the league in rebounding once and in scoring three times. He tragically passed away in 1978 at 49 years old. The former Ohio State standout was posthumously inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as a player in 1990.
6. Nate Thurmond
The Warriors selected Nathaniel Thurmond with the third overall selection in the 1963 NBA Draft. Two years later, he had his first of seven NBA All-Star selections. Rebounding and defense became his calling card throughout his 11-year stint with San Francisco/Golden State.
He became an NBA All-Defensive First or Second Team member five times. Thurmond was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1985. The Bowling Green alumnus passed away on July 2016. The Warriors have also retired the number 42 jersey of “Nate The Great.”
5. Draymond Green
Draymond Jamal Green Sr. gave up inches against taller players and speed versus guards. But despite those deficiencies, he used his smarts to defend every position of the court when needed. He was also the perfect frontcourt player for the Warriors’ pace and space approach. Green is a four-time NBA All-Star and a 2016 All-NBA Second Team member.
He is also the 2017 NBA Defensive Player of the Year and was a part of an NBA All-Defensive time eight times as of 2022-23. That is not bad for a former second-round draft pick.
4. Paul Arizin
Paul Joseph Arizin played his ten-year NBA career with the Philadelphia Warriors. “Pitchin' Paul” was still one of the game’s best, even if he served with the Marines during the Korean War from 1952 to 1954. The Warrior’s 1950 territorial pick won the 1956 NBA championship and was a ten-time NBA All-Star.
He was a three-time All-NBA First Team selection and a two-time scoring champion. The Pennsylvania native chose to retire instead of joining the team in San Francisco. He finished his career with 16,266 points, 6,129 points, and 1,665 assists.
3. Rick Barry
Richard Francis Dennis Barry III is more than just the player who shoots his free throws underhanded. He had two stints with the Warriors but was immortalized in team history after guiding the squad to the 1975 NBA title. Aside from winning Finals MVP during that series, Barry is an eight-time NBA All-Star and five-time All-NBA First Team member. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987 and was included in the league’s 75th-anniversary all-time team.
2. Wilt Chamberlain
Wilton Norman Chamberlain is like a mythical figure dominating the basketball court. He was so good on the low block that the league enforced changes on widening the lane and offensive goaltending. Chamberlain remained an iconic player despite the rule changes.
“The Big Dipper” is also a four-time All-NBA First Team member during his time with the Warriors. Chamberlain was also the league’s Most Valuable Player in 1960. He also achieved the 100-point game while playing for the franchise in 1962. It was the same year he averaged 50.4 points per game for an entire season.
1. Stephen Curry
Wardell Stephen Curry II’s bad ankles could have prevented him from having a stellar NBA career. But that hindrance did not deter him from becoming one of the game’s best. He was the perfect orchestrator of the Warriors’ pace and space approach, helping him become a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player awardee and two-time scoring champion.
Curry is also a nine-time NBA All-Star and four-time All-NBA First Team member. He, Thompson, and Green comprised the nucleus of the Warriors Dynasty, winning four NBA championships in seven years. The shooter from Davidson changed how the game was played, with more players shooting three-pointers. It would be a travesty if he didn’t become a first-ballot Hall of Famers.
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