13 Players the Golden State Warriors signed past their prime
By Tyler Watts
8. Kermit Washington
Washington was the fifth overall pick in 1973 by the Los Angeles Lakers. The 6’8 forward steadily improved during his four and a half seasons with the team before being shipped to the Celtics in December of 1977. He was part of one of the most infamous fights in NBA history when he badly injured Rudy Tomjanovich with a punch just weeks before the trade. The Lakers decided to move after he was suspended for 60 days.
He produced a nightly double-double during his fifth NBA season, and Washington was just entering his prime. The 28-year-old made his first and only All-Star appearance in 1980, but he retired in 1982 after nine years in the league. The 6’8 forward had back and knee injuries that limited him to just 20 games in his final season, and it appeared his career was over at 30 years old.
Washington made a comeback in 1987 with the Warriors after sitting out for five seasons. It only lasted six games and about six weeks, but the 36-year-old wanted to give it one final go in the league. He averaged 2.7 points and 3.2 rebounds in 9.3 minutes per game before being waived in November.
Kermit Washington was well beyond his prime when he joined the Golden State Warriors, but credit to the former All-Star for going out on his terms.