The Golden State Warriors have been the home to several of the game’s greats. There are some players though who might not necessarily be the best on the court, but they have been fan favorites.
Here are some of the most popular players in Warriors history (in no particular order):
1. Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry is a superstar. Last season, he had a 54-point game, and he made the most three-point field goals (272) in a single season in NBA history. He had a breakout year last season when he averaged 22.9 points, 6.9 assists, four rebounds, 1.6 steals, and he shot 45.1 percent from the field, 45.3 percent from three, and 90 percent from the free-throw line.
Stephen Curry has helped transform the Warriors from a sleeper into a serious contender in the Western Conference. Once Monta Ellis was traded, the Warriors became Curry’s team. He’s the leader, the best player, and the face of this Warriors franchise now. He’s humble, hard-working, and he’s the perfect role model. He’s the type of player any organization would want representing their franchise. He loves Warriors fans, and he will definitely be a fan favorite for many years to come.
2. Jason Richardson
The Warriors drafted Jason Richardson in 2001 with the fifth overall pick, and he instantly brought the Warriors such much needed passion, determination, and focus. On the court, he was explosive and fun to watch. He won back-to-back NBA Slam Dunk contests in 2002 and 2003. He led the Warriors in scoring three years in a row, and, as a Warrior, he averaged 18.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.2 steals.
Richardson went hard in every game and on every possession. He always had a great work ethic, and he improved in every season that he played. Don Nelson, when he was the head coach of the Warriors, called J-Rich a “low-maintenance star.” He was unselfish, mature, humble, optimistic, and he was always grateful to Warriors fans.
3. Baron Davis
In the 2006-2007 season, Baron Davis propelled the Warriors to their first playoff appearance since 1994. He was the leader of the up-tempo, entertaining “We Believe” squad that beat the top-seeded Dallas Mavericks in the 2007 playoffs. The Warriors became the first number eight seed to beat a number one seed since the NBA changed the first round from a 5-game series to a 7-game series.
Davis was extremely fun to watch, so he was instantly a fan favorite. In addition, he had one of the best dunks in Warriors history. Sorry, Andrei Kirilenko.
4. Jeff Mullins
Jeff Mullins played for the Warriors for 10 seasons between 1966 and 1976. He was a three-time NBA All-Star in 1969, 1970, and 1971. Mullins was a key component to two of the best Warriors teams in franchise history. He helped the Warriors win the 1967 Western Conference title and the 1975 NBA championship. As a Warrior, he averaged 17.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and he shot 46.6 percent from the field.
In addition to his accomplishments on the court, he truly understood the game and people, in general. He was a great ambassador for the Warriors and the NBA.
5. Chris Mullin
Chris Mullin is one of the greatest Warriors of all time. He played 13 seasons with the Warriors in two stints. In his first stint with the Warriors (12 seasons), Mullin averaged 20.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, four assists, 1.7 steals, and he shot 51.4 percent from the field. He was a five-time NBA All-Star and was named to the All-NBA First Team in 1992.
Mullin was a fan favorite because of his work ethic and determination. He also greatly appreciated the fans. In addition, he was a member of one of the most exciting trios in NBA history, Run TMC. Mullin, Tim Hardaway, and Mitch Richmond were so fun to watch because of their high-scoring, fast-paced play.
6. Purvis Short
Purvis Short is arguably one of the best players in NBA history to never make an All-Star game. He played for the Warriors for his first nine seasons in the NBA. He ranks seventh in franchise history with 11,894 points. He averaged 20-plus points for four-straight seasons beginning in the 1982-83 season.
Short was a fan favorite, because he loved the fans and greatly appreciated them. He also just had a genuine respect for the game and the players in the NBA. He was a student of the game and always worked hard at his craft.
7. Al Attles
Al Attles played for 11 seasons in the NBA, all with the Warriors, from 1960-1971. He also coached the Warriors for 13 seasons from 1970-1983. He coached the Warriors when they won the 1975 NBA Championship. He also was the Warriors’ general manager in the 1983-1984 season. Attles had his number 16 jersey retired by the Warriors.
Attles is one of the most recognizable athletes in Bay Area sports history. He is beloved by Warriors fans, and Attles has done so much for this franchise. He still attends every home game, and he serves as a team ambassador. He has always been committed, dedicated, and loyal to this franchise, which has made him a fan favorite, as a player and a coach.
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