As players get bigger, stronger and faster coupled with rules of the game being in constant change, conventional wisdom suggests that players from different eras cannot be compared. However, I have decided to defy that notion.
Considering the Golden State Warriors in 1946, the task becomes enormously challenging. Today, I have taken on the daunting task of compiling a Warriors Dream Team. The Warriors called Philadelphia home from (1946-1962) before playing in San Francisco from 1962-1971. The franchise was rebranded as the Golden State Warriors and played their games across the Bay in Oakland from 1971-2018 before moving back to San Francisco. The Warriors have six NBA titles (two in Philadelphia and four in the Bay Area).
For parts of three decades, however, the Warriors were an NBA wasteland. They missed the playoffs every season from 1977-1986. From 1986-1994, the Warriors were a playoff team and a tough out in the postseason under George Karl and later Don Nelson. From 1994-2012, the Warriors had just one playoff season. The Mark Jackson era brought a return to relevance from 2011-2014. From 2014-2018, the Warriors became NBA royalty under Steve Kerr, reaching five straight NBA Finals, winning three of them.
There are some rigid criteria in making this team. First of all, the player needed to have played for the Warriors for a minimum of four seasons -- no exceptions. Since the free agency era began 30 years ago, that standard needs to be in place. Two-year rentals don’t make this list. That stipulation means notable players not making the list -- such as Kevin Durant and Mitch Richmond. Great players but Durant and Richmond are more synonymous with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Sacramento Kings respectively.
Personality or legal flaws are not a deterrent to making this team. This is basketball, not the Boy Scouts. Being in the Hall of Fame is the first consideration coupled with impact on the franchise. The number of All-NBA seasons are a top consideration with longevity also helping immensely. While I understand it is hard to compare eras, I’m not going to convolute this discussion.
Generational reminders
Being on the Warriors during a season of being a contender does not get you a hall pass on this team. Winning or losing eras, all high-level performers get considered.
To further the challenge, the modern game has evolved into positionless basketball. The roster will comprise 15 players encompassing all eras. The starting lineup will be position specific, after that it will be the best of the rest with four years playing for the franchise being the first requirement.
So, if you want to make a case for a player being on the team, don’t just tell me he should be there and why, tell me who you would remove. Before you make a case to put someone on the list, ask yourself, “Who do I take off the list at that position?”
STARTING LINEUP
Point guard: Steph Curry
Together, Curry and backcourt mate Klay Thompson have formed the best shooting tandem in NBA history. It is often said that Michael Jordan changed the game above the rim. conversely, Curry changed the game beyond the arc. Before Curry entered the league in the 2009-2010 season, the three-point shot was looked at as a novelty and an occasional way to score. Curry's range and proficiency have popularized the 3-point shot.
Though often criticized for his defense, Curry has been a serviceable defensive player throughout his career. Curry is a three-time NBA champion, two-time MVP, six-time All-Star, five-time NBA (two as a first teamer). Curry holds numerous franchise and NBA records.
Shooting guard: Klay Thompson
Two years after drafting Curry, the Warriors landed Thompson with the 11th overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft. Like Curry, Thompson has been a deadly catch-and-shoot scorer from the three-point line and is equally capable of beating teams on backdoor layups. Thompson also holds various records.
Thompson, however, has been much more than just a long-range shooter. Thompson has also made his legacy as an elite defender throughout his career. Thompson is a three-time NBA champion, five-time NBA All-Star and two-time All NBA 3rd team.
Small forward: Rick Barry
Barry's career spanned both the ABA and NBA era for the San Francisco Warriors, Oakland Oaks and Golden State Warriors. The signature moment most people remember Barry for in his Hall of Fame career are guiding the 1975 Warriors to the NBA Championship, a 4-0 sweep over the Washington Bullets.
As knee injuries began to limit his quickness, Barry’s game went more away from the basket and he pioneered the forward position, which is commonly used in today's game. Barry was NBA Finals MVP in 1975, ABA champion in 1969, eight-time NBA All-Star, five-time all NBA first team and four-time ABA All-Star.
Power forward: Nate Thurmond
Thurmond is also a Hall of Famer and played for the Warriors for 12 seasons (1963-1974). Thurmond developed a reputation for being a strong defensive player. He was the first player in NBA history to record a quadruple-double.
Thurmond is also one of five players in NBA history to average at least 15 rebounds per game in his career and is one of five players in NBA history to average at least 20 rebounds per game during a season. Thurmond was a seven-time NBA All-Star, 5 time all NBA defense (two as a first-teamer),
Center: Wilt Chamberlain
Chamberlain was one of the most dominant players in NBA history. He is known most prominently for being the only player in NBA history to score 100 points in a single game, a feat that has not been equaled. Chamberlain was influential in various rule changes regarding inbounding ball widening the lane from 12 to 16 feet.
Though Chamberlain's life off the court was not without controversy, on the court he was an unquestioned Hall of Famer. Chamberlain spent eight years as a Warrior. Though he is more known for his role as a Philadelphia 76er and Los Angeles Laker, his impact as a Warrior was significant, putting him in this starting lineup is a no-brainer.
BENCH
Paul Arizin: Arizin’s Hall of Fame career with the Philadelphia Warriors had two stints (1950-1952; 1954-1962). In between, he was serving in the military. Arizin helped lead the Warriors to their 1956 NBA title. He was a 10-time All-Star and four-time all NBA (three as a first-teamer). Arizin formed an excellent 1-2 combination with teammate Neil Johnston. Arizin was known for his line drive jump shots. Arizin averaged 22.8 points per game in his career.
Baron Davis: Davis was acquired in a midseason trade in the 2005 campaign from the Charlotte Hornets. Davis and Jason Richardson formed a formidable backcourt duo. Davis, however, earns a seat at this table in large part because of the 2007 playoffs. As the No. 8 seed, the Warriors upset the No. 1 seeded Dallas Mavericks 4-2 in the first round of the 2006-2007 playoffs. In that series, Davis averaged 25 points per game. In his four seasons as a Warrior he averaged 20.1 points per contest.
Eric “Sleepy” Floyd: Floyd was a Warrior for five seasons (1983-1988) before the franchise traded him to the Houston Rockets. Floyd was an All-Star in 1987 and averaged 18.8 points per game as a Warrior. Floyd, however, will always be a hero to Warrior fans for his Game 4 performance in the 1987 Western Conference semifinals. In that contest, Floyd scored a playoff record 29 points in a single quarter and 39 in the second half. In that game, he scored 51 points to avert a sweep of a juggernaut Los Angeles Lakers team.
Draymond Green: Though not the first person people think of with the Warrior juggernaut of the 2010s, he may have been the most vital piece. Green was a three-time NBA All-Star and Defensive Player of the Year in 2017, and five-time all NBA (three as a first teamer). Green, however, makes this team because of how he set a trend. Green was listed as a power forward but he defends multiple positions on the court, which is a role many teams have since employed.
Tim Hardaway: Hardaway was part of a very exciting time in Warrior history. The threesome of Hardaway, Mitch Richmond, and Chris Mullin were simply known as Run TMC. The franchise traded Richmond to Sacramento after three seasons. In his time as a warrior, Hardaway was an All-Star for three consecutive years. Hardaway possessed what was known as the “killer crossover.” Hardaway's passing and one-on-one skills were deadly. He reached 5,000 points and 2500 assists faster than any NBA player except Oscar Robertson.
Andre Iguodala: Iguodala's crowning moment was earning NBA Finals MVP in the Warriors 4-2 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Iguodala was a superb defender and could also beat unsuspecting opponents on offense. Iguodala, however, has sweat equity in this Warrior franchise because he was acquired in a three-team sign-and-trade deal with the Denver Nuggets and Utah Jazz. Iguodala's acquisition signaled the start of a new era in that Golden State became an attractive place for free agents.
Neil Johnston: Johnson played all nine years (1951-1959) with the Philadelphia Warriors. He was known for his sweeping right hand hook shot. Johnston helped the Warriors to their 1956 NBA championship. He was a six-time NBA All-Star and 4 time all NBA first team. In his career, Johnson averaged 19.4 points and 11.4 rebounds per contest.
Chris Mullin: Like Hardaway and Richmond, Mullin was part of the famed Run TMC era. Mullin's role in that time was the sweet left-handed jump shot. Mullin spent 13 of his 16 NBA seasons as a Warrior, playing for the Indiana Pacers in between. Mullin was a five-time NBA All-Star and 3 time all NBA performer (one as a first-teamer).
Jason Richardson: Richardson played for the Warriors for seven seasons (2001-2007). Though the Warriors only made the playoffs one time in that span, Richardson remains one of the more popular players in franchise history even though he played for four other teams besides the Warriors. Richardson was a dynamic scorer throughout his career and was All NBA Rookie first team in 2001.
Purvis Short: Short had a rafter-scraping jump shot and averaged 17.3 points per contest in his career. In his nine seasons (1978-1987), Short did not get any All-Star or postseason accolades but he was a fan favorite and prolific scorer. During a four-year stretch, Short averaged at least 20 points per game, ranging between 21-28.
Coach: Al Attles. Attles could make this team either as a player or a coach in part because for a portion of his career he served both roles. As a player, Attles was known as “The Destroyer” because of his tough defensive mindset. Attles led the Warriors to the playoffs six times and 14 seasons including the 1975 NBA championship. Attles fashioned a record of 557-518. He is the longest tenured coach in Warriors history. Though Kerr has the postseason success, with a loaded team, his titles had a “scoop and score” element.
Team: 2016-2017. With the acquisition of Durant, the Warriors were hailed a “Superteam.” Coming off an NBA record-setting 73-win season that did not lead to an NBA championship, the Warriors ran roughshod over their opponents, posting a 16-1 record in the playoffs, winning their first 15, best in playoff history. In the regular season, the Warriors went 67-15, winning 14 of their last 15 regular season games. The Warriors had four players reach the NBA All-Star game.
