Golden State Warriors: Top 20 Draft Picks in History

March 23, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; 1975 NBA Championship Golden State Warriors team members Clifford Ray (left), Rick Barry (center), and Jamaal Wilkes (right) address the media in a press conference before the game between the Warriors and the Washington Wizards at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
March 23, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; 1975 NBA Championship Golden State Warriors team members Clifford Ray (left), Rick Barry (center), and Jamaal Wilkes (right) address the media in a press conference before the game between the Warriors and the Washington Wizards at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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12. Jason Richardson

In many ways Jason Richardson can be compared to Draymond Green. Both come from Saginaw, Michigan. Both attened Michigan State University, both wear number 23, and both of them played a vital role in a Warriors resurgence while not necessarily being their team’s star player.

Richardson was a valued member of the “We Believe” team that upset the top seeded Mavericks in the first round of the 2007 playoffs. A team stacked with scrappy competitors, J-Rich made sure his last year in a Warriors uniform was a special one.

During his six seasons with the franchise, he averaged 18.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and was a 2-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest Champion. Warriors fans know he was much more than just an athletic wing who dazzled crowds around the NBA with his high-flying acrobatics. Richardson is a Warrior for life.

Richardson was yet another player that probably didn’t end up spend enough time in a Warriors uniform. It’s a reminder that sometimes good things end early before they ever really get started. Golden State acquired the draft rights to Brandan Wright and it didn’t end up as they were hoping it would.