Warriors: Best Defensive Players in Golden State History

By Andrew Ites | Jul 30, 2018

CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 06: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors reacts during Game Three of the 2018 NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on June 6, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

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BOSTON – 1975: Rick Barry #24 of the Golden State Warriors runs up court during a game played against the Boston Celtics in 1975 at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1975 NBAE (Photo by Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images) /

5. Rick Barry

Rick Barry is included on nearly every list of the greatest players in NBA history often citing his ability as a scorer and distributor on the offensive end.

However, he was just as good on the defensive end throughout his storied career.

Steals did not become an official stat until about halfway through Barry’s basketball career. But we do know he averaged 2 steals per game from 1973-1980, and he led the league in steals with 2.9 per game during the 1974-75 season.

At 6-feet 7-inches, Barry had tremendous size for a small forward, especially considering the league was much smaller during his career.

His length and quick hands allowed him to become a dominant defender along with his electric offensive game.

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