Chris Mullin is one of six Warriors players who have their number retired.
The Warriors franchise has a rich history that dates back nearly 80 years to its inception in Philadelphia and encompasses a pair of cross-country cities as well. Naturally, there have been many legendary players who have donned the team’s uniform, with the following having distinguished themselves to the point of having their number retired:
Wilt Chamberlain (No. 13), 1959-65
The legendary Wilt Chamberlain spent time with the Warriors in both Philadelphia and San Francisco, arriving in 1959 following a year with the Harlem Globetrotters. Chamberlain’s impact was instantaneous, as he won both Rookie of the Year and MVP honors after that initial season. Chamberlain was a prolific scorer who averaged between 36.9 points per game during his time with the team while also recording an astounding 25.1 rebounds per contest. His best season came in the 1961-62 season, where he averaged 50.4 points and 25.7 rebounds.
Tom Meschery (No. 14), 1961-67
Tom Meschery arrived in Philadelphia as the seventh overall pick in 1961. Meschery made his mark as a scorer and on the boards, recording at least 9.0 rebounds per contest on three occasions during his Warriors tenure and double-digit scoring averages each season as well, including a career-high 16.0 points per game in the 1962-63 campaign.
Al Attles (No. 16), 1960-1971 (as player)
Al Attles was a beloved figure in the Warriors organization for well over two decades as both player and coach, and he made his mark on the floor as a versatile contributor. Attles drained over 47.0% of his attempts on three different occasions and averaged double-digit point totals in four seasons. Attles was also a reliable rebounder and facilitator and would win an NBA title in 1975 as the team’s head coach.
Chris Mullin (No. 17), 1985-97, 2000-01
Chris Mullin validated his selection with the 10th overall pick in 1985 with five All-Star nods and three All-NBA honors. Mullin averaged over 20.0 points per game for six consecutive seasons, beginning with the 1987-88 campaign, and offered solid contributions as a rebounder and facilitator.
Rick Barry (No. 24), 1965-67, 1972-78
Rick Barry’s two Warriors stints were interrupted by a trip into the ABA, but he made an impact on the franchise. Barry had already averaged what would be a career-high 35.6 points by his second season and added another campaign of 30-plus points following his return. Barry never averaged less than 21.0 points per game during his Warriors stints.
Nate Thurmond (No. 42), 1963-74
Nate Thurmond was a seven-time All-Star who made an indelible mark on both ends of the floor during his decade-plus Warriors career. Thurmond was a double-double machine, finishing his career in the Bay with averages of 17.4 points, 16.9 rebounds and 2.9 blocks per contest while earning All-Defensive Team honors on five occasions.
