1989: Marques Johnson #8 of the Golden State Warriors looks to make a free throw during an NBA game in the 1989-90 season. 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: Ken Levine/Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors have had some stars over the course of their run, but you surely forgot (or didn’t realize) these three NBA legends played for them.
From the franchise’s roots in Philadelphia to initially being named the San Francisco Warriors upon their move cross-country, the Golden State Warriors have had some great players play for them. That’s easy to overlook since they went from 1975-2015 without winning an NBA title, or even making a Finals appearance.
NBA fans of a certain age remember “Run TMC” in Golden State, with Tim Hardaway, Mitch Richmond and Chris Mullin as the Warriors’ star trio. Before and after them, between titles, there were some good players who passed through the East Bay at some point in their careers.
With that in mind, as they were early or late in their careers, here are three NBA legends you forgot played for the Golden State Warriors.
3 NBA legends you forgot (or didn’t realize) played for the Golden State Warriors
3. Marques Johnson
Johnson got notoriety for his college career at UCLA, but he also ranks as one of the best players in Milwaukee Bucks history with four All-Star nods in seven seasons with them. He earned a fifth career All-Star selection in 1986 with the Los Angeles Clippers.
After missing two full seasons (1987-88 and 1988-89) with a neck injury, Johnson played 10 games for the Warriors during the 1989-90 season.
Johnson’s career was obviously shortened by that neck injury. He might be a Hall of Famer if not for that, with a career points per game averaged a notch above 20. But his final, albeit very partial, NBA season was spent in a Warriors’ uniform.