History isn't just a list of names hanging from the rafters at Chase Center. It’s the sweat, the weird trades, and the guys who vanished after one amazing playoff run. People talk about the dynasty like it’s the only thing that ever happened in the Bay Area, but the reality of Golden State Warriors former players is a lot messier—and way more interesting—than just four rings and a bunch of parades.
Some of these guys are living legends. Others? They’re the "Oh yeah, I forgot he played for us" guys. Honestly, if you only started watching when Steph Curry began pulling up from the logo, you’ve missed out on a century of absolute chaos.
The Dynasty Veterans: Where Are They Now?
It’s January 2026, and the "Strength in Numbers" era feels like a lifetime ago even though the core is still grinding. You’ve probably seen Andre Iguodala transition into the business world with the same cold, calculated efficiency he used to strip the ball from LeBron James. He isn't just a "former player" at this point; he’s basically a venture capital mogul who happens to have a Finals MVP trophy on his desk.
Then there’s Shaun Livingston. Talk about a guy who shouldn't have been able to walk, let alone win three rings. His mid-range turnaround jumper was basically a cheat code for four years. These days, he’s stayed close to the organization, helping manage the very culture he helped build.
But what about the guys who left and things got... weird?
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- Jordan Poole: He was the "Third Splash Brother" until that punch in practice changed everything. Now he’s a cautionary tale about how fast things move. He’s been linked to every trade rumor in the book lately, most recently with New Orleans and Washington, trying to find that 2022 spark again.
- Kevin Durant: He’s still Kevin Durant. Love him or hate him, those two rings don't happen without him. He was a mercenary, sure, but the most efficient mercenary in the history of the sport.
- Klay Thompson: Seeing him in a different jersey still feels like a glitch in the Matrix.
Golden State Warriors Former Players: The Legends Nobody Talks About
Before the tech money moved the team to San Francisco, the Warriors were a gritty, often heartbreaking team in Oakland. If you want to talk about Golden State Warriors former players who actually built the foundation, you have to look at the guys who played when the arena was called Oracle or even the San Francisco Civic Auditorium.
Rick Barry is the one everyone remembers for the underhand free throws. He was also notoriously difficult to play with. Teammates didn't always love him, but man, could he score. He led the 1975 team to a title that literally nobody saw coming. It remains one of the biggest "upsets" in NBA history, a sweep of the heavily favored Washington Bullets.
And we can't ignore Nate Thurmond. "Big Nate" was the first player in NBA history to record a quadruple-double. Imagine that. In an era with Wilt and Russell, Thurmond was the guy who made them work the hardest. He stayed in the Bay Area until he passed, a true ambassador who bridged the gap between the Philly days and the Oakland glory.
The "Run TMC" Era
In the early 90s, the Warriors were the most fun team in the league. They didn't win much, but they didn't care. Tim Hardaway, Mitch Richmond, and Chris Mullin.
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Mullin is still a fixture at games. You’ll see him on the broadcast, looking like he could still drop 20 points if you gave him a clean look from the corner. Hardaway’s "UTEP Two-Step" crossover basically invented the modern handle. When people ask why the Warriors have such a loyal fanbase even through the bad years, it’s because of these three. They made losing look like an art form.
The Underappreciated List
There’s a middle ground of players who weren't superstars but were the glue. David Lee is a perfect example. He was the first All-Star to choose Golden State in forever. He got injured, a kid named Draymond Green took his spot, and Lee handled it with total class. He’s the reason the 2015 ring happened.
- Andrew Bogut: The most underrated passer and rim protector of the early dynasty years. His moving screens were a thing of beauty (and frustration for everyone else).
- Monta Ellis: He "have it all." He was the bridge between the "We Believe" era and the Steph era. Trading him was the most hated move in franchise history at the time. Now? It’s looked at as the smartest move they ever made.
- Baron Davis: If you don't get chills thinking about his dunk over Andrei Kirilenko, you might not have a pulse.
Why the Alumni Connection Matters
The Warriors treat their former players differently than most franchises. There's a reason you see Zaza Pachulia as a consultant or Leandro Barbosa on the sidelines. The team realized that the "Warriors Way" isn't just a marketing slogan—it's a literal knowledge transfer.
When Jonathan Kuminga or Moses Moody struggle with their roles in 2026, they have a phone book full of guys who have been exactly where they are. They talk to the vets. They hear the stories of the 73-win season and the heartbreak of 2016.
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Facts You Might Have Forgotten
- Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points as a Warrior. Yes, they were the Philadelphia Warriors then, but the records stay with the franchise.
- Manute Bol once hit six three-pointers in a single half for Golden State. He was 7'7". It was glorious.
- Muggsy Bogues finished his career in a Warriors jersey.
- Chris Webber won Rookie of the Year here, left in a huff, and came back 14 years later to retire as a Warrior.
Moving Forward as a Fan
If you're looking to dive deeper into the history of Golden State Warriors former players, stop just looking at the stat sheets. Go watch the "We Believe" highlights from 2007. Look up Rick Barry’s 1975 Finals tape. The DNA of this team isn't just about winning; it's about a specific kind of flashy, high-octane basketball that has existed since the Paul Arizin days in the 50s.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
Check out the retired jerseys at Chase Center next time you're there. Don't just look at the numbers. Look up the stories of Al Attles and Tom Meschery. One was a "Destroyer" on the court who became a coaching legend; the other was a poet who happened to be an All-Star. Understanding the past is the only way to truly appreciate why the present is so special. Keep an eye on the local broadcasts too—guys like Mullin and Jim Barnett are constantly dropping nuggets of history that you won't find on a Wikipedia page.