Who are the best Golden State Warriors players of all time? Starting out in Philadelphia in 1946, the franchise’s rich history evolved as it relocated to California in 1962.
Home to some of the greatest shooters in history, and superstars that have helped to transform the game, these are the greatest Warriors’ of all time:
10. Paul Arizin
Paul Arizin was one of the NBA’s original stars. Playing for the Philadelphia Warriors from 1950 and featuring as an All-Star in every season he played, his career ultimately ended as he refused to relocate to San Francisco.
An NBA champion in 1956, the small forward Arizin was known for his scoring ability and was one of the first players to utilize the jump shot effectively having scored at an average of 22.8 points.
9. Draymond Green
Draymond Green has been the heart and soul of the Warriors during their championship run in the 2010s, forming a key part of the “Death Lineup”. Naturally a power forward, he could also play as an undersized center.
The 2017 Defensive Player of the Year and a three-time runner up of the award, Green can guard all positions. His playmaking ability as well as strong three-point shooting stretches opponents to oblivion and he’s one me the best Golden State Warriors players ever.
8. Al Attles
Al Attles made his mark as both a player for 11 seasons, and as a coach for 14 at the Warriors. As a point guard he was known for his toughness and leadership on the court to a level that’s seen the #16 retired in his honor.
Attles’ service to the Warriors was at its zenith in 1975 as he led the Warriors to their first championship in the Bay Area as head coach. In 1983 he’d leave his coaching role to become the franchise GM.
7. Klay Thompson
Klay Thompson formed a crucial part of the Warriors’ dynasty throughout the 2010’s. Along with Steph Curry the pair formed “The Splash Brothers” with both players considered to be the two greatest shooters in NBA history.
We all know Thompson can shoot. He holds the record for most three-point shots made in a game with 14 in 27 minutes. We also shouldn’t overlook his defensive prowess and ability to step up in clutch moments.
6. Nate Thurmond
Nate Thurmond is one of the best Golden State Warriors players of all time, with the versatile forward known for his exceptional defensive abilities. He’s also the all-time franchise leader for rebounds with 12,771.
Thurmond spent 11 seasons with the Warriors and was a seven-time All-Star, although an NBA championship eluded him. A tough competitor, became the first player ever to record a quadruple-double in 1974.
5. Chris Mullin
A key member of the “Run TMC” trio, Chris Mullin had an extremely high basketball IQ and great shooting particularly from range. A five-time All-Star, Mullin was an integral part of the Warriors in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
A Hall of Famer, Mullin starred for 13 seasons for the Warriors, broken up by a three-season stint with the Pacers before a final season in Golden State. Mullin is one of the many players underrated as he played through the Jordan-era.
4. Kevin Durant
When Kevin Durant joined the Warriors in free agency in 2016 coming off a 73-9 season, he instantly became one of the most hated players. The “Ring Chaser” went on to win back-to-back championships in 2017-18 and was Finals MVP on both occasions.
Joining the Warriors to win NBA championships may have tarnished Durant’s legacy to some, but there’s no doubt the 2014 Most Valuable Player was the perfect fit for the Warriors in his three seasons, often taking over games.
3. Rick Barry
Known for his unorthodox underhand free-throw shooting style, his shooting and off-ball ability, Rick Barry started off as a small. He’d become the first “point forward” in the NBA and one of the best Golden State Warriors players ever.
Barry featured as an eight-time All-Star and became the 1975 NBA Finals MVP as he led the Warriors to their first championship. His playoff stats are the stuff of legends with an average of 36.8 points across 74 playoff games.
2. Wilt Chamberlain
Before the franchise relocated to eventually become known as the Golden State Warriors, Wilt Chamberlain was drafted while the team was still In Philadelphia. His first season he averaged a ridiculous 37.6 points and 27 rebounds.
Although Chamberlain never won a championship in his six seasons with the Warriors he did achieve scoring 100 points in a game against the Knicks and he completely dominated the NBA leading to many rule changes.
1. Stephen Curry
There’s no doubt Stephen Curry is the greatest Golden State Warriors player ever, transforming not just the franchise but the game of basketball with his ability to shoot from range well beyond the three-point line.
Curry kickstarted the 2010’s dynasty with four NBA championships and earned back-to-back MVP crowns in 2015-16. As well as his laser guided shooting, his vision and ball-handling skills has him up there as one of greatest to ever play in the NBA.
