Golden State Warriors Mount Rushmore: The Best of the Golden Ages
After many thought that the dynasty was over, the Warriors have been one of the best teams during the 2021-2022 season. This success isn’t short-lived though, as the Warriors have seen many other all-time greats and championship teams over their long history. The Warriors Mount Rushmore celebrates this success over generations, with each player representing a “Golden” age for the team.
Wilt Chamberlain
While with the Warriors, Chamberlain had the greatest stretch of seasons in NBA history, and there is no way to refute that. Highlighted by his 50.4 point-per-game and 25.7 rebound-per-game season back in 1961-1962, Chamberlain truly had video game numbers while with the Warriors. In the 5 1/2 seasons he spent with the franchise, Chamberlain scored more points than Magic Johnson, Steve Nash, and James Worthy’s entire careers. His total rebounds during those 5 1/2 years were more than Ben Wallace, Tyson Chandler, and Zach Randolph’s entire careers. To put it as simply as possible, the man as simply one of the greatest the game has ever seen.
Paul Arizin
Arizin is much less-known by the casual fan than the other players on this list, but his productive was incredibly impressive. Arizin spent his entire 10 year career with the Warriors, leading the NBA in points per game twice, making the All-Star game every single year, leading to his spot in the Hall of Fame today. Among Warriors all-time stats leaders, Arizin ranks fourth in points, fifth in rebounds, and third in win shares. He was one of the team’s stars when they won their second every championship back in 1956, leaving his lasting legacy on the franchise.
Rick Barry
Barry is often known as that guy who shot free throws underhanded, and he was fantastic at that, but there’s so much more about him that deserves recognition. During Barry’s two separate stints with the franchise, he led the NBA in scoring once, steals once, and free throw percentage four times. His 16,447 Warriors points rank third all-time for the franchise, and he also ranks within the top 8 in both rebounds and assists. He was easily their best player for their third championship back in 1975, when he lead the team in win shares with a ridiculous 12.7.
Stephen Curry
The greatest shooter of all-time. One of the greatest point guards ever. One of the most influential players ever. The leader of one of the greatest NBA dynasties ever. Whatever you want to call Curry, he has revolutionized the Warriors franchise and the entire sport. Ranking first all-time in Warriors points, assists, and tied for first as of March 6, 2022, in steals, there is no debate for his inclusion on the Warriors Mount Rushmore, and he is still continuously adding to those totals. Add in 8 All-Star appearances (and counting), 2 scoring titles, and 2 MVP Awards, and Curry is among the best the sports has ever seen.
