13 Players the Golden State Warriors signed past their prime
By Tyler Watts
5. Marques Johnson
Johnson was one of the best wings of the late 1970s and early 1980s. The 6’7 forward was the third overall pick in 1977 by the Milwaukee Bucks, and he quickly proved to be an elite two-way player. Johnson averaged 21 points per game during his seven seasons in the Cream City before spending three years with the Clippers. He led the Bucks in scoring in the 1984 playoffs as they reached the conference finals.
The five-time All-Star retired after suffering a serious neck injury just ten games into the 1986-1987 season. He averaged over 20 points per game in the previous season, and the 30-year-old appeared to still be at the top of his game before the devastating injury.
Johnson made a comeback with the Golden State Warriors after missing two full seasons. It only lasted ten games, but he averaged 4.0 points and 1.7 rebounds in 9.9 minutes per contest. The 6’7 wing was waived in November of 1989 and that was the final time he played in the NBA.
Marques Johnson was a five-time All-Star and made three All-NBA appearances. He was one of the best players in the league before his virtually career-ending neck injury, and Golden State Warriors fans certainly missed out on his best basketball.