Top 25 Golden State Warriors in franchise history

Jun 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts before game seven of the NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts before game seven of the NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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2. Wilt Chamberlain

This isn’t going to be a popular decision. Wilt Chamberlain is probably the best player to suit up for the Warriors, but he’s not the best Warrior. Yup, there’s a distinction and it matters.

Chamberlain played six seasons for the Warriors and he had some of the most spectacular individual campaigns anyone has ever seen. He averaged 50.4 points and 25.7 rebounds in the 1961-62 season. He established himself as the most dominant player (probably ever) as a Warrior.

He was named Rookie of the Year, All-Star Game MVP, and NBA MVP in the same season in 1959-60. He was a monster, putting up numbers that you couldn’t even match in a video game. He reached milestones and set records that will never be broken.

Chamberlain is the reason some of these other guy’s aren’t higher. He couldn’t deliver the team a championship (partly because of Bill Russell’s Celtics) and he overshadowed many of his contemporaries with his otherworldly abilities. He was ridiculous.

The most unbelievable feat in NBA history came with Chamberlain in a Warriors jersey. His 100 point night against the New York Knicks in 1962 is legendary, to say the least. It’s a mark that will never be touched.

Chamberlain is one of the best, there’s no doubt about it. But his poor attitude, seemingly selfish philosophy, and lack of a championship kept him from being at the top of this list. His greatness cannot be understated and he’s at the top of so many franchise leaderboards, but he’s not the greatest Warrior.