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Which Golden State Warriors will be immortalized from decade-long dynasty?

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 18: Andre Iguodala #9, Stephen Curry #30, Draymond Green #23, and Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors pose with their championship rings in front of a championship banner during a ceremony prior to the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Chase Center on October 18, 2022 in San Francisco, California. 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 18: Andre Iguodala #9, Stephen Curry #30, Draymond Green #23, and Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors pose with their championship rings in front of a championship banner during a ceremony prior to the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Chase Center on October 18, 2022 in San Francisco, California. 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors have enjoyed the best decade in franchise history, winning four NBA championships and adding two more Finals appearances as the league’s most recent dynastic team.

Like any historically successful period, the Warriors have been propelled by a handful of players who have left an indelible mark as franchise legends. The question now remains — how many is too many when it comes to fortifying their place in history.

How many present and recent players will be immortalized in history by having their jersey retired by the Golden State Warriors?

The conversation reignited on Friday when Draymond Green reposted an instagram story suggesting Kevon Looney was a guarantee to have his No. 5 jersey retired. Green responded with ‘facts’, despite Looney being just 27-years-old and eight years into his career.

The initial post compared Looney’s legacy to that of former Oklahoma City Thunder big man Nick Collison. After 14 seasons and over 900 games, Collison’s No. 4 jersey was retired by the franchise in 2019. He never made an All-Star team and averaged less than six points for his career, yet his impact was clearly profound and couldn’t simply be measured by individual accomplishments.

Looney could be one of six Warriors in the last decade to have his jersey eventually retired by the franchise. So, which players are assured of a spot in immortality, and which require a more prolonged conversation?

Will Kevon Looney join Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson as having their jersey retired by the Golden State Warriors.(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Will Kevon Looney join Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson as having their jersey retired by the Golden State Warriors.(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

There are three locks — players who have already done enough to have their jersey retired even if they retired today. Stephen Curry is the greatest player in franchise history — the Warriors would retire No. 30 now if they could.

Long-time teammates Draymond Green and Klay Thompson are also no-brainers. Each having been integral pieces of the team’s four championships in nine seasons, while also accruing a plethora of individual awards.

Andre Iguodala must be the next one to tick off as the final player in the quartet of four-time champions. Add in the 2015 Finals MVP and the 39-year-old has a solidified place in Golden State history.

Kevin Durant is an interesting one — three years at the franchise is hardly noteworthy, but a two-time Finals MVP in championship seasons certainly is. He’s more likely than not, leaving Looney as the most debatable.

Looney’s on the path to having his jersey retired, but he’s hardly a guarantee based on what he’s done to date. The 6’9″ big man would probably have to end his career at the franchise, and another one or two championships wouldn’t hurt either.

Next. Exactly who is the Golden State Warriors’ second-best player?. dark

Golden State currently have six jersey numbers retired — Wilt Chamberlain (13), Thomas Meschery (14), Al Attles (16), Chris Mullin (17), Rick Barry (24) and Nate Thurmond (42).

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