The Golden State Warriors have evolved from Philadelphia roots to a modern NBA dynasty, boasting some of basketball’s most revolutionary talents. From Wilt Chamberlain’s dominance to Stephen Curry’s three-point revolution, these icons have shaped Warriors history. This definitive countdown ranks the 10 greatest Warriors ever, analyzing their stats (games played, wins, championships), net worth, strengths, and franchise impact. Each legend receives a detailed review highlighting what made them indispensable to Warriors lore.
10. Tim Hardaway (1989-1996)
- Net Worth: $20 million
- Games Played: 422 (all with Warriors)
- Wins: 199
- Championships: 0
- Strengths: Killer crossover, playmaking, clutch shooting
Review:
Tim Hardaway’s “UTEP Two-Step” crossover revolutionized point guard play in the early 1990s. The engine of Don Nelson’s “Run TMC” offense, Hardaway averaged 19.8 PPG and 9.3 APG during his Warriors peak, forming a lethal trio with Mitch Richmond and Chris Mullin. While his tenure ended without a title, Hardaway’s flashy handles and big-shot mentality made him a fan favorite. His later success in Miami proved his elite status, but Warriors fans remember him as the architect of one of the NBA’s most entertaining eras. Hardaway’s #10 jersey retirement cements his Bay Area legacy.
9. Nate Thurmond (1963-1974)
- Net Worth: $5 million (est.)
- Games Played: 757 (all with Warriors)
- Wins: 347
- Championships: 0
- Strengths: Rebounding, defense, physicality
Review:
Nate “The Great” Thurmond was a defensive titan during the Warriors’ transitional years between Philadelphia and Oakland. The 7-time All-Star averaged 15+ rebounds for 10 straight seasons and famously recorded the NBA’s first official quadruple-double (22 pts, 14 reb, 13 ast, 12 blk). Though overshadowed by Wilt Chamberlain early in his career, Thurmond’s relentless interior presence kept Golden State competitive. His battles against Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Wes Unseld remain legendary. The Warriors retired his #42 jersey, honoring one of basketball’s most physically dominant centers who bridged two franchise eras with blue-collar excellence.
8. Draymond Green (2012-Present)
Net Worth: $60 million
- Games Played: 758+
- Wins: 482+
- Championships: 4 (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022)
- Strengths: Defense, playmaking, leadership
Review:
Draymond Green’s impact transcends stats as the emotional and defensive core of Golden State’s modern dynasty. The 2017 Defensive Player of Year revolutionized small-ball with his ability to guard all five positions while averaging 7+ assists as a forward. Green’s basketball IQ and fiery leadership were instrumental in all four championships, particularly his switch-heavy schemes that neutralized elite opponents. Though controversial at times, his intensity and unselfishness (often sacrificing scoring) epitomize winning basketball. Green’s unique skill set – part enforcer, part point forward – makes him one of the most valuable non-scorers in NBA history and a future Hall of Famer.
7. Chris Mullin (1985-1997, 2000-2001)
- Net Worth: $18 million
- Games Played: 807 (all with Warriors)
- Wins: 298
- Championships: 0
- Strengths: Shooting, scoring efficiency, basketball IQ
Review:
Chris Mullin’s smooth lefty stroke made him the face of the Warriors during the “Run TMC” era. The Hall of Famer averaged 25+ PPG for five straight seasons (shooting 54% from the field in 1989-90), combining deadly perimeter shooting with crafty backdoor cuts. A 5-time All-Star, Mullin’s Olympic “Dream Team” selection validated his elite status despite playing on mediocre Warriors teams. His battles with alcoholism and subsequent comeback added depth to his legacy. Mullin’s jersey retirement and executive role with the franchise cement his status as a Bay Area icon who kept Warriors basketball relevant during lean years.
6. Klay Thompson (2011-Present)
- Net Worth: $70 million
- Games Played: 785+
- Wins: 501+
- Championships: 4 (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022)
- Strengths: Shooting, defense, off-ball movement
Review:
Klay Thompson owns some of the most explosive scoring performances in NBA history – 37 points in a quarter, 60 points in 29 minutes, and 11 playoff threes in a closeout game. The second-greatest shooter in Warriors history combines textbook form with lightning-quick release, thriving as the perfect complement to Stephen Curry. Thompson’s lockdown defense (often guarding opponents’ best guards) completes his two-way value. After missing two seasons with devastating injuries, his 2022 championship return story added to his legend. “Game 6 Klay” remains one of basketball’s most feared playoff performers, with ice-water veins in clutch moments.
5. Rick Barry (1965-1967, 1972-1978)
- Net Worth: $20 million
- Games Played: 642 (with Warriors)
- Wins: 291
- Championships: 1 (1975, Finals MVP)
- Strengths: Scoring, free throws, competitiveness
Review:
Rick Barry led one of the greatest upsets in NBA history, sweeping the 1975 Finals as underdogs with his unorthodox underhand free throws (90% career FT) and relentless scoring (30.6 PPG in 1974-75). The Hall of Famer’s fiery personality and all-around game (6.1 RPG, 6.1 APG during Warriors peak) made him must-watch television. Though his ABA departure created controversy, Barry’s return and championship cemented his Warriors legacy. His trash-talking and competitive fire were ahead of their time – a proto-Larry Bird who carried mediocre rosters through sheer will. The 1975 Finals MVP remains Golden State’s only title between 1956 and 2015.
4. Paul Arizin (1950-1962)Net Worth: $3 million (est.)
- Games Played: 713 (all with Philadelphia Warriors)
- Wins: 315
- Championships: 1 (1956)
- Strengths: Jump shooting, scoring, athleticism
Review:
Paul Arizin pioneered modern shooting as one of the first players to master the jump shot, averaging 22.8 PPG during his era. The 10-time All-Star led the 1956 championship team with his high-arcing shot and surprising athleticism (playing in Chuck Taylors). Arizin’s battles with Bob Cousy and Bill Sharman were early NBA highlights before the shot clock era. Though statistics from his time are limited, contemporaries called him one of the purest scorers they’d ever seen. Arizin’s legacy lives on through his influence on perimeter play – the prototype for every skilled forward who followed in Warriors history.
3. Kevin Durant (2016-2019)
- Net Worth: $200 million
- Games Played: 208 (with Warriors)
- Wins: 146
- Championships: 2 (2017, 2018, both Finals MVP)
- Strengths: Scoring, efficiency, clutch play
Review:
Kevin Durant’s Warriors tenure was basketball’s ultimate “cheat code” – a 7-foot scoring machine who shot 50/40/90 while playing elite defense. His 2017 Finals performance (35.2 PPG on 55% shooting) ranks among the most dominant ever, capped by a dagger three over LeBron James. Though controversial for joining a 73-win team, Durant’s two Finals MVPs and effortless scoring (25.8 PPG as a Warrior) elevated Golden State from great to historically unstoppable. The “Hamptons Five” lineup with Curry, Thompson, Green and Iguodala was arguably basketball’s most talented unit ever. Durant’s departure was messy, but his peak Warriors years were basketball perfection.
2. Wilt Chamberlain (1959-1965)
- Net Worth: $10 million (est.)
- Games Played: 429 (with Warriors)
- Wins: 191
- Championships: 0
- Strengths: Scoring, rebounding, athleticism
Review:
Wilt Chamberlain’s Warriors years featured superhuman feats – 100-point game, 50.4 PPG season, and averages of 41.5 PPG and 25.1 RPG in 1961-62. The most physically dominant player ever overwhelmed opponents with his 7’1″ frame and athleticism during the Philadelphia/San Francisco era. Though he won championships elsewhere, Wilt’s Warriors tenure redefined offensive basketball’s possibilities. His rivalry with Bill Russell captivated the NBA, even if team success eluded him in Golden State. Chamberlain’s statistical dominance (five scoring titles as a Warrior) remains unmatched – a once-in-a-lifetime force who played by different rules than mere mortals.
1. Stephen Curry (2009-Present)
- Net Worth: $160 million
- Games Played: 882+
- Wins: 586+
- Championships: 4 (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022)
- Strengths: Shooting, ball-handling, leadership
Review:
Stephen Curry didn’t just lead the Warriors to four titles – he revolutionized basketball with his limitless three-point range and gravitational pull on defenses. The 2-time MVP (including the first unanimous award in 2016) owns every meaningful shooting record while maintaining elite efficiency (career 47/43/91 splits). Curry’s handles and off-ball movement created a new offensive paradigm, inspiring a generation of players to launch from deep. His 2022 Finals MVP silenced doubters about his clutch credentials, while his loyalty through rebuilds contrasts with modern superstar movement. More than stats or rings, Curry’s joyful dominance made the Warriors the NBA’s standard-bearer – the ultimate embodiment of Bay Area basketball.
Final Verdict: Curry vs. Chamberlain
While Wilt’s statistical dominance is untouchable, Curry’s championships, cultural impact, and role in building a decade-long dynasty give him the edge as the greatest Warrior ever. Chamberlain was basketball’s most unstoppable force, but Curry transformed how the game is played – the perfect marriage of individual brilliance and team success that defines Warriors excellence.
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