The Golden State Warriors are one of the oldest and greatest franchises in the NBA. They have won four NBA titles and reached the Finals six times. In recent years, the Warriors have become one of the best franchises because they have brought together several talented players. The franchise has had incredible players in every decade. So let’s have a look at the 10 best players in the history of the Golden State Warriors.
10. Draymond Green
Draymond Green was selected by the Warriors in the 2012 NBA Draft and he is still part of the franchise. Green was a key player in the four championships won by the franchise. His defense has always been the best, so it is no surprise that he has been named to the All-Defensive Team seven times and named Defensive Player of the Year in the 2016–17 season. “DrayMagic” ranks in the top five in assists, steals, blocks and value over replacement players in franchise history and ranks seventh in rebounds.
9. Nate Thurmond
Nate Thurmond was selected by the San Francisco Warriors in the 1963 NBA Draft. He played eight seasons with the team and averaged 17.4 points, 16.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. He is the franchise’s all-time leader in rebounds, sixth in points, tenth in assists and seventh in win shares. Unfortunately, “Nate the Great” was unable to win a championship ring but at least became a two-time Western Conference Champion.
8. Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant’s entry into the Warriors franchise in 2016 was one of the most controversial stories. The team was already exceptional and they scored 73 wins in the 2015-16 season, but losing in the finals was shocking, so they signed KD to build a perfect team. Durant spent only three seasons with the team but gave his best, led the team to two consecutive championships and was the Finals MVP both times.
7. Klay Thompson
Klay Thompson was selected by the Golden State Warriors in the 2011 NBA Draft and currently he is playing his 10th NBA season with them. He has impressive skills and is loved by every Warriors fan. Throughout his career, Thompson has starred in many remarkable moments and has always stood up when the team needed him the most. He ranks seventh in total points in franchise history and will most probably finish this season in sixth place.
6. Chris Mullin
Chris Mullin was selected by the Golden State Warriors in the 1985 NBA Draft. The franchise had very high expectations from him and he really proved to be an amazing player for them. Mullin played 13 seasons with the team and averaged 20.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.7 steals per game. He ranks fifth in franchise history in points, sixth in assists, second in steals and second in value over replacement players.
5. Neil Johnston
Neil Johnston spent his entire eight-year NBA career playing for the Philadelphia Warriors and created a big legacy with them. For three consecutive years, Johnston was a scoring champion, a six time All-Star and won a title in the 1955–56 season. He averaged 19.4 points, 11.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game, with a player efficiency rating of 24.9 and 92.0 win shares.
4. Paul Arizin
Paul was the first overall pick in the 1950 NBA Draft, selected by the Warriors. He won the Rookie of the Year award and went on to play 10 seasons in the NBA. Arizin spent his entire career with the Warriors and led the team to win the championship. “Pitchin Paul” averaged 22.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game throughout his career. Arizin ranks in the franchise’s top five in points, rebounds and win shares.
3. Rick Barry
Rick Barry is the one who led the Warriors to their third NBA title. The team faced the Washington Bullets in the finals, where Barry averaged 29.5 points, 5.0 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 3.5 steals per game to lead the team to victory. He was the Finals MVP in that game. Barry played five seasons with the team and ranks third in franchise history in points, fifth in assists, eighth in rebounds, fourth in steals and fifth in win shares.
2. Wilt Chamberlain
The NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain began his illustrious career with the Warriors. He was a scoring champion for the team in all the seasons he played with them. “Wilt the Stilt” averaged 41.5 points and 25.1 rebounds per game, which was extraordinary during that time. His player efficiency rating was 30.3 and what he did for the team was exceptional. Unfortunately, he couldn’t lead the team to a championship win.
1. Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry is not only the superstar of the team but also the best player in the Golden State Warriors’ history. He has been a part of several iconic moments throughout his career and for the Warriors fans, he is already a legend. Curry led the team to four NBA titles. He is the best three-pointer in NBA history and is currently playing his 14th season with the Warriors. “Chef Curry” leads the franchise in points, assists, steals, win shares and VORP. It is definitely going to be tough for anyone to surpass him.
Also Read: 10 Best NBA Players Who Were Drafted Out Of High School
