Top 5 Defensive Players in Warrior History

The addition of Andrew Bogut in 2012 and Andre Iguodala in 2013 have brought a new defensive identity to the Warriors.  Long known as an offensive team who played little to no defense, this brings a cultural change to a recently downtrodden franchise.  A lack of defense hasn’t always been the Warriors identity though, here we will examine the greatest defenders in Warrior history.

5. Latrell Sprewell

Spree was only on the Warriors for a little over 5 seasons, but in that time he garnered a reputation as one of the leagues most intense and best perimeter defenders.  In that time he made the NBA’s all-defensive 2^nd team, one of the few in Warrior history to do so.  Known for his elite athleticism, strength and aggressive style of defending, Sprewell often drew the toughest perimeter assignment.

4. Larry Smith

Nicknamed Mr. Mean, Smith played on the Warriors between 1980 and 1989.  Mr. Mean was an undersized power forward (listed 6ft8, 215 lbs), but he made up for his lack of size with a high motor and propensity for grabbing every loose ball.  Despite being undersized, Smith averaged 12.9 rebounds per 36 minutes and over a steal per 36 during his duration with the Warriors.  He is often considered the pre-cursor for Dennis Rodman.

3. Clifford Ray

Clifford Ray was a big man on the Warriors for 7 years starting with the 1974-75 championship season.  Ray was a key addition to the Warriors, helping improve a team who ranked slightly below league average in defensive efficiency to top 5 in 1974/75.  Ray was good for 11.6 rebounds, and over a block and a steal per 36 during his Warrior tenure, while helping anchor a title defense.

2. Wilt Chamberlain

Known as one of the greatest offensive centers, it’s often overlooked how big a defensive impact he had.  In 1961/62 and 1962/63 season the Warriors allowed the least points in the NBA, led by Wilt’s intimidating presence,  As the NBA’s all-time rebounds leader he averaged an unreal 24.9 rebounds per game as a Warrior.  Towards the end of his career, on the Lakers, Wilt finally got his due as a defensive game changer anchoring the Lakers 1972 title team, however the defense and shotblocking and rebounding was always there.

1. Nate Thurmond

Nate Thurmond played 11 seasons with the Warriors and is undoubtedly the greatest defensive player in the franchises history.  The 6ft11 center anchored the Warriors defense averaging 16.9 rebounds.  Thurmond had some great match ups with Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabaar, often holding them to some of there worst outputs of the season.  In 1969, Abdul-Jabaar averaged 28.8 points and 14.5 rebounds per game, but Thurmond held him to his season low of 16 points, 5 rebounds, showing truly how great of a defensive stopper he was.