The Shooting Guard Position became more a focal point for the Warriors over the past 2 decades than any other previous time in the franchise’s history. This is something that resonates league-wide given Michael Jordan’s impact on the relevance of the position (even though the strength of the SG position has dropped off league-wide in recent year.) Rule changes (such as hand-checking) that were put in place during the mid-90’s mostly due to Jordan’s style of play allowed more freedom to perimeter players (a rule which is also a reason the NBA has become a PG-centric league the past few years and moving forward) and the implemented 3-point line are also reasons for the recent rise in value to this position.
5. Mitch Richmond (1989-1991)
The least tenured member of the RunTMC namesake, Richmond was drafted 5th overall by the Warriors in 1988. He was named Rookie of the Year in 1989 averaging 22 ppg. In his first of only 3 seasons with the Warriors.
Paired with Tim Hardaway and Chris Mullin, the trio provided a brief, albeit extremely fun and memorable run under Don Nelson’s tutelage. Richmond went on to become a 6x All-Star after being dealt to the Kings for Billy Owens in a move to add size and rebounding.
Richmond averaged 22.7 ppg, 5.5 rpg, and 3.4 apg while shooting 48% from the field and 35% from 3. He still ranks 5th all-time in ppg. for the Warriors.
4. Jason Richardson (2002-2007)
One of 2 members of the “WE BELIEVE” team to make this list.
The athletic guard was drafted 5th overall in 2001 and quickly made his mark being named to the All-Rookie first team in ’02 as well as making a name for himself as a flashy, superb dunker, winning the Slam Dunk Contest in both his rookie and sophomore campaigns.
The rise of “We Believe” was quickly dismantled with the trade that sent J-Rich to the Bobcats for the pick that became Brandan Wright months after that memorable run.
He finished with averages of 18.3 ppg, 5.4 rpg, and 3.2 apg. J-Rich currently ranks 1st all-time in 3PM for the Warriors and 13th in points. Safe to say J-Rich left his mark both on the franchise and it’s loyal and devoted fans.
3. Monta Ellis (2006-2012)
Monta was a steal for the Warriors in the 2nd Round of 2005 and was recognized as Most Improved Player in 2007 while being a spark for the “We Believe” team.
His numbers; 19.6 points per game, 3.7 rebounds per game, and 4.4 assists per game always spoke for themselves even though he never made an All-Star appearance.
His tenure with the team took a bitter turn in the Fall of 2008 after tearing a ligament and in his ankle during the infamous moped accident 2 months after signing a 6-year $67 million extension. Even under new ownership Monta’s relationship with the organization was never the same because of this incident.
Through all of this he stayed a beloved member of the team to fans and will always be remembered for his time with the team. Such was shown after he was traded last spring and the reaction at Oracle was to stand and boo owner Joe Lacob during Chris Mullin’s jersey retirement ceremony. Monta will never be forgotten.
2. Latrell Sprewell (1993-1998)
For 16 years Spree was known as “the last Warriors All-Star” having done so 3 times with the team (1994, 1995, and 1997) while also being named 1st Team All-NBA and 2nd Team All-Defense in ’94.
Through all the accolades, the 1994 Playoff appearance, and the 20 points per game, 4.3 rebounds per game, 4.7 assists per game averages, Spree will forever be remembered in the Bay and throughout NBA circles for “the choking incident” where he choked Head Coach P.J. Carlesimo putting a sad and bitter ending to his tenure with the franchise.
1. Jeff Mullins (1967-1976)
Mullins was a member of the 1967 Western Conference Final team and the 1975 NBA Championship team. He was a 3-time All-Star from 1969-1971.
Mullins amassed 12,547 points during his 10-year run with the Warriors with places him 6th all-time with the franchise. He averaged 17.5 points per game, 4.5 rebounds per game, and 4.1 assists per game with the Warriors before a knee injury forced him to retire in 1976.
Sidenote: Klay Thompson is yet to have an impact on this list, but considering the rise in his game and his acceptance as one of the top SG’s in the league (ranked 60th, 89th, and 58th by ESPN, Sports Illustrated, and CBSSports respectively) he is sure to make a splash (no pun intended) into this list in the near future.
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