Ahh, the end of summer and closer to the tip off of a new Golden State Warrior season. Almost time to formulate a parade route for a championship celebration through Jack London Square come next June.
Ok, maybe I’m getting a bit loopy without real games.
But, since there is this little lull before November, time to examine something near and dear to my heart. That is the ever-changing and sometimes ever-confusing Warriors logo through the years. Some have been iconic. Some have been b-o-r-i-n-g. Some have been just plain forgettable. Lets take a look in order from worst to first.
5: 1997-2010 – CHRIS COHAN’S SUPERHERO SILLINESS
Nothing exemplifies the ineptitude of the Cohan era more than this silly characture logo from the past decade. I’m actually a fan of the cartoonish logos from yesteryear. However, this logo fails to capture neither the charm of the Boston Celtics “Leprechaun“, nor the fierceness of the Chicago Bulls “Toro“. What it seems to capture is some strange cross between a member of the Blue Man Group and Mr. Clean. The faster we forget this logo the faster we can forget the years it symbolized: Latrell Spreewell stranglings, countless wasted draft picks AND three 50+ loss/four 60+ loss seasons.
4: 1962-1968 – INDIAN HEADDRESS AT THE GOLDEN GATE
Cohan tried desperately to remarket the teams orgin. However, the true Warrior name and roots originated from the proud Native Americans who fought to keep their land and identity. The team’s first west-coast logo showcased this with its Indian headdress icon after the move from Philadelphia in the early 60’s. A bit plain and boring for sure. But then again so was most of the NBA at that time. Did you notice the “I” in the Warriors name disguised as an Indian arrowhead? Neat, huh? Not enough, however, to move it into the upper echelon of top historical logos or make anyone remember the team used to play at an arena called “The Cow Palace“.
3: 2011-to present – RETURN TO CITY BY THE BAY
With the organization steadfast on a move back to San Francisco in 2017, the team returned to one of its most popular logos in 2011. Instead of the Golden Gate Bridge, however, the latest Warriors symbol now signifies the rebuilt Bay Bridge (right next to where the proposed arena is to be built). By connecting its past in Oakland and future in San Francisco, the new bridge logo (along with Stephen Curry & Company) allows the entire Bay Area to not only be proud of its team, but look pretty cool in its garb as well. Now to work on those sleeveless yellow uni’s!
2: 1969 to 1971 – THE BRIDGE TO ICONIC
No doubt the most popular and loved logo in Warrors history. The original bridge logo with “The CITY” annointed on top is not only a fan-favorite upon Warrior fans, but basketball fans in general.
What needs to be said about this? Nothing. Exactly what a logo should be. It is simply iconic and beautiful.
1: 1972 to 1996 – MAPPING A CHAMPIONSHIP
I know that most of the Warriors faithful will take umbrage with me for this selection. “The CITY” logo may be the most revered, but the California Map logo is still the top logo in Warriors history. Why?
It breathes nostalgia. When Rick Barry pumped his fists as the clock ran down to the only Warriors championship in the Bay Area in 1975, he wore the California map logo.
This logo also has the honor of the longest tenure of the group. Almost 25 years in service.
Even though it was slightly adjusted a few times with homage to Tom Mechery’s retired number “14” (the first Warrior number retired in SF), an added basketball background and a different style text; the image remains the same to me.
Classic Golden State Warriors basketball that was successful and looked good doing it!
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