Top 10 Golden State Warriors Players of All Time: Franchise Legends Ranked

Since entering the NBA in 1946, the Golden State Warriors have established themselves as one of basketball’s most storied franchises. Originally founded in Philadelphia, they immediately made history by capturing the league’s inaugural championship. Over the decades, the Warriors have forged a legacy of excellence, marked by seven NBA titles and a parade of Hall of Fame talent. As a dedicated sports analyst for Betimate, I’ll provide an in-depth look at the top 10 players who have shaped the Warriors’ success and basketball history.

10. Neil Johnston

1955-56 Champion, 6-time All-Star, Hall of Fame (1990)

Neil Johnston’s eight-year career in the NBA was spent entirely with the Warriors. Joining the organization in the early 1950s, Johnston quickly bounced back from a challenging rookie year and became a dominant center in that era.

• 516 games played
• Career averages: 19.4 points, 11.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists per game
• Field goal percentage: 44.4%

From 1952–1955, Johnston led the NBA in scoring three consecutive seasons, peaking at 24.4 points per game. His impact was instrumental in the 1956 championship run. A knee injury cut his career short, but he later returned as a head coach. Johnston’s skill and leadership made him one of his era’s premier big men, ultimately earning a place in the Hall of Fame.

9. Nate Thurmond

7-time All-Star, Hall of Fame (1985)

Nate Thurmond joined the Warriors as the third overall pick in 1963, establishing himself as a dominant interior force throughout the ’60s and early ’70s. Known for his extraordinary rebounding and defense, Thurmond became a fan favorite and a respected presence on the court.

• 757 games played
• Career averages: 17.4 points, 16.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists per game
• Field goal percentage: 42.5%

Thurmond played 11 seasons with the franchise, securing seven All-Star selections and recognition as one of the finest defenders of his time. Though a championship eluded him with Golden State, his legacy as an elite big man was cemented by his Hall of Fame induction.

8. Kevin Durant

2x NBA Champion, 2x Finals MVP

Kevin Durant spent just three seasons with the Warriors, but his impact was immediate and transformative. He joined the team in 2016 following a record-setting 73-win season, facing immense scrutiny from media and fans across the league. Nonetheless, Durant delivered on the grandest stage.

• 208 games played
• Career averages: 25.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, 5.4 assists per game
• Field goal percentage: 52.4% | 3-point percentage: 38.4%

Durant helped guide the team to three NBA Finals, winning two titles and capturing the Finals MVP each time. Despite being surrounded by other stars, Durant was often the primary offensive engine. Though his stint was short, his influence on the Warriors’ dynasty years is undeniable.

7. Klay Thompson

4-Time NBA Champion, 5-Time All-Star

Klay Thompson, selected 11th overall in 2011, quickly established himself as one of the game’s finest shooters. As half of the “Splash Brothers” duo, Thompson’s elite perimeter shooting and defensive prowess were central to Golden State’s success during their championship years.

• 793 games played
• Career averages: 19.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists per game
• 41.3% from three-point range

Thompson provided crucial performances in pivotal games and proved invaluable in the postseason. He spent 11 seasons as a core piece of the roster, helping deliver four titles. In 2024, Thompson embarked on a new chapter, leaving the Warriors for another team but leaving an immense legacy behind.

6. Draymond Green

4-Time Champion, 2017 Defensive Player of the Year

Selected in the second round of the 2012 NBA Draft, Draymond Green has far exceeded expectations. While his raw stats may not stand out, his impact is measured by much more than box scores—his versatility and basketball IQ have been fundamental to the Warriors’ identity.

• 813 games played
• Career averages: 8.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists per game
• Defensive accolades: 8 All-Defensive Teams

Green is a four-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA selection, most notably earning Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2016–17. Beyond his statistics, Green’s intensity and leadership have been vital during the Warriors’ championship runs, establishing him among the franchise’s all-time greats.

5. Chris Mullin

5-Time All-Star, Hall of Fame (2011)

Chris Mullin was selected by the Warriors in 1985 and became their leading figure throughout the late ’80s and ’90s. An adept scorer and playmaker, Mullin thrived as part of the "Run TMC" trio and remained unwaveringly loyal through an era of ups and downs.

• 807 games played
• Career averages: 20.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists per game
• Field goal percentage: 51.3% | 3-point percentage: 36.6%

Mullin recorded five All-Star appearances and four All-NBA Team selections. While championships proved elusive during his time, his leadership and consistency were invaluable to the Warriors, especially in challenging seasons. Mullin’s legacy is honored with his Hall of Fame induction.

4. Paul Arizin

1956 Champion, Rookie of the Year (1951), Hall of Fame (1978)

Paul Arizin was a foundational figure for the Warriors in the 1950s. After winning Rookie of the Year, he quickly established himself among the league’s elite, even missing two prime seasons to military service before returning without missing a beat.

• 713 games played
• Career averages: 22.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists per game

Arizin secured a scoring title and contributed greatly to the 1956 championship run. His 10 All-Star selections and numerous All-NBA nods reflect his sustained excellence. Spending his entire NBA career with the Warriors, Arizin’s influence still resonates in team history.

3. Rick Barry

1975 Champion, 1975 Finals MVP, Rookie of the Year (1966), Hall of Fame (1987)

Rick Barry’s fast-paced, high-scoring style revitalized the Warriors in the late ’60s and ’70s. After a standout rookie year, Barry briefly left the NBA for the ABA, but upon his return, he helped guide the Warriors to their mid-1970s title.

• 642 games played
• Career averages: 25.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists per game

Barry was the driving force behind the 1975 championship, earning Finals MVP honors. His relentless approach and unique skills made him a matchup nightmare. An eight-time All-Star and Hall of Famer, Barry’s legacy includes being a prototype for modern wings.

2. Wilt Chamberlain

1960 MVP, Rookie of the Year, Hall of Fame (1979)

Wilt Chamberlain’s arrival instantly changed the NBA landscape. From the outset, he posted record-setting numbers, winning MVP and Rookie of the Year in his debut campaign. His unmatched physical dominance and statistical production set league records that still stand today.

• 429 games played
• Career averages: 41.5 points, 25.1 rebounds, 3.0 assists per game

Chamberlain led the league in scoring every season with the Warriors and famously scored 100 points in a single game. Despite not capturing a title with the franchise, his singular dominance is recognized with multiple Hall of Fame accolades and a permanent place in NBA lore.

1. Stephen Curry

4-Time Champion, 2-Time MVP, Finals MVP (2022)

No player has redefined the Warriors—and arguably the modern NBA—more than Stephen Curry. Drafted in 2009, Curry’s rise from promising young guard to league-changing superstar mirrors the Warriors’ ascent to an NBA powerhouse in the past decade.

• 956 games played
• Career averages: 24.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, 6.4 assists per game
• NBA all-time leader in three-pointers made

Curry’s unique shooting ability has transformed offensive basketball and inspired a new generation. A two-time MVP and ten-time All-Star, he guided the Warriors to four championships and was named Finals MVP in 2022—solidifying his place among the league’s greats. As he continues his career, Curry’s impact both on and off the court is simply unrivaled in franchise history.

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