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When you think of the Golden State Warriors, your brain probably jumps straight to Stephen Curry pulling up from the logo.
But quietly (and sometimes very loudly), the shooting guard spot has been stacked for decades. From smooth Hall of Famers
to chaotic heat-check legends, the Warriors’ history at the two-guard is ridiculously deep.
In this guide, we’re ranking the 55+ best NBA Golden State Warriors shooting guards of all time. We’ll look at
rings, stats, awards, iconic moments, and pure vibes to sort out who really belongs near the top of
Warriors shooting guard history. Expect a mix of all-time greats, cult heroes, and a few names that will make long-time
fans say, “Wow, I haven’t thought about him in years.”
How We Ranked the Best Warriors Shooting Guards
Before we start fanning out about Klay’s jump shot or World B. Free’s rainbow arcs, let’s quickly walk through the
criteria behind these Golden State Warriors shooting guard rankings:
- Impact with the Warriors only: What they did in a Warriors jersey matters most, not what they did for other teams.
- Prime production: Scoring, efficiency, playmaking, and defense during their best Warriors years.
- Longevity and consistency: Doing it for one hot season is nice; doing it for years is better.
- Team success & playoff moments: Titles, deep playoff runs, and clutch performances count heavily.
- Awards and accolades: All-Star nods, All-NBA, Rookie of the Year, Sixth Man of the Year, etc.
- Cultural and fan impact: Some players are bigger than their box scores (hello, “We Believe” crew).
The backbone of this list leans on fan voting and historical rankings of Warriors shooting guards, then layers in stats,
awards, and context from official league and stats databases. The end result: a Warriors-centric ranking that balances
data and fan memory in a way that actually feels right.
Top 10 Golden State Warriors Shooting Guards of All Time
1. Klay Thompson
There was never much suspense here. Klay Thompson is the gold standard for Golden State Warriors shooting guards.
Drafted 11th overall in 2011, he spent 13 seasons with the Warriors, forming the legendary “Splash Brothers” backcourt
with Stephen Curry. His job description was simple but brutal: guard the other team’s best perimeter player and
casually hit eight threes.
Klay is a four-time NBA champion and five-time All-Star, with multiple All-NBA and All-Defensive selections to his name.
He authored some of the wildest shooting nights in league history: 37 points in a quarter, 60 points in 29 minutes, and
countless playoff explosions that swung series. His combination of off-ball movement, catch-and-shoot efficiency, and
defensive discipline makes him not just the best Warriors shooting guard ever, but one of the greatest shooting guards
of the modern era.
2. Chris Mullin
Technically listed as a wing who often slid between shooting guard and small forward, Chris Mullin absolutely belongs
near the top of any Warriors guard ranking. A five-time All-Star and Hall of Famer, Mullin spent the prime of his career
carrying Golden State’s scoring load in the late ’80s and early ’90s.
Mullin was the smooth, left-handed sniper of the iconic “Run TMC” trio. At his peak, he was dropping 25+ points per game
with elite efficiency, curling off screens, attacking closeouts, and punishing mistakes. He didn’t have Klay’s defensive
chops, but in terms of volume scoring, playmaking, and overall offensive skill, Mullin is in rare company in Warriors
history and earns his spot near the very top.
3. Mitch Richmond
For a few brief but glorious seasons, Mitch Richmond terrorized defenses in a Warriors jersey. Drafted fifth overall
in 1988, he averaged over 22 points per game as a rookie and promptly took home Rookie of the Year. As the “M” in
“Run TMC,” Richmond combined power, driving ability, and three-level scoring in a way that felt ahead of its time.
His Warriors tenure was short, but it was explosive. Richmond’s attacking style opened up the floor for Mullin and
Tim Hardaway, and he proved he could be a franchise-level scorer. His Hall of Fame résumé is spread across multiple
teams, but his early years in Golden State helped cement his legacy and lock him into the top three here.
4. Monta Ellis
Before the Splash Brothers era, there was Monta Ellispure chaos in sneaker form. He arrived as a second-round pick and
turned into one of the league’s most dangerous scoring guards. At his Warriors peak, he regularly hovered around
24–25 points per game while living in the paint despite being undersized.
Ellis had blinding speed, a fearless finishing package, and a midrange game that kept defenders guessing. He didn’t have
the team success or defensive value of the legends above him, but during some otherwise rough years, Monta was the main
reason to watch Warriors games. That volume, excitement, and loyalty in the pre-dynasty era earn him a high spot on this list.
5. Jason Richardson
Jason Richardson is the human highlight reel chapter of Warriors shooting guard history. Drafted fifth overall in 2001,
J-Rich combined freakish athleticism with a steadily improving jumper. He won back-to-back Slam Dunk Contests and was a
central figure on the beloved “We Believe” 2007 team that stunned the top-seeded Mavericks in the playoffs.
Richardson’s game evolved from pure dunk-contest weaponry into a legit two-way wing with range. While he never made an
All-Star team, his production, playoff impact, and role in one of the franchise’s most emotional moments keep him firmly
in the top five.
6. Latrell Sprewell
Latrell Sprewell was intensity personified. Drafted in 1992, he quickly became one of the league’s most dangerous
two-way guards, making multiple All-Star teams and earning All-Defensive honors. When Sprewell locked in, he could put
30 on you and then make your life miserable on the other end.
His tenure in Golden State is complicated by off-court controversies later in his career, but on the floor he was a
fierce competitor and a major bright spot in the 1990s. In terms of talent and peak impact, he comfortably belongs
in the upper tier of Warriors shooting guards.
7. Jordan Poole
Jordan Poole’s Warriors run was short, loud, and extremely memorable. Drafted in 2019, he went from G League stints to
full-blown microwave scorer almost overnight. In the 2022 title run, Poole was a crucial offensive spark, hitting deep
threes, snaking pick-and-rolls, and functioning as a kind of baby Splash Brother off the bench.
While his defense and decision-making could be wild, his ability to create offense in tight playoff environments gives
him a higher ranking than some longer-tenured but less impactful names. You don’t win a championship in the modern NBA
without a guard like Poole catching fire at the right time.
8. Stephen Jackson
Stephen Jackson brought edge, toughness, and clutch shot-making to the “We Believe” Warriors. Acquired mid-season in
2007, he stepped in as both scorer and emotional leader. His defense on bigger wings and his swagger from deep made him
absolutely vital in that legendary upset over Dallas.
Jackson’s Warriors stint wasn’t particularly long, but it was loaded with meaningful moments. He helped reshape the
team’s identity into something fearless and disruptive, and that counts for a lot in a franchise narrative.
9. World B. Free
Before the Splash Brothers were bombing away, World B. Free was launching high-arcing jumpers with equally high
confidence. In the early 1980s, he was one of the most explosive scorers in the league. His scoring numbers in a
Warriors uniform were strong, but his personality might have been even louder.
Free brought flair, creativity, and a go-get-a-bucket mentality that helped keep the franchise entertaining during a
transitional period. He may not have the rings or All-NBA stack of the top three, but he’s an essential part of the
Warriors shooting guard story.
10. Jamal Crawford
Jamal Crawford’s Warriors tenure was brief, but if you watched him during that window, you remember. One of the best
isolation scorers of his generation, Crawford gave Golden State a late-clock bailout option and the ability to swing
momentum with a single crossover.
Even though most of his career highlights came elsewhere, the combination of his scoring, creativity, and the sheer
entertainment value of watching him cook earns him the final spot in the top ten of Warriors shooting guards.
Golden State Warriors Shooting Guards Ranked: 11–30
The next tier is loaded with champions, sixth men, and under-appreciated glue guys who helped bridge eras in Warriors
basketball.
-
11. Jeff Mullins – A three-time All-Star and a key piece of the 1975 championship team, Jeff Mullins
was a steady scorer and playmaker long before the three-point revolution. -
12. Shaun Livingston – The midrange maestro of the dynasty years. Livingston’s size, post-ups on
smaller guards, and calm decision-making off the bench were crucial in multiple title runs. -
13. Sarunas Marciulionis – A pioneer for European guards in the NBA, he attacked the rim relentlessly,
brought toughness, and even snagged a Sixth Man of the Year award while in a Warriors jersey. -
14. Leandro Barbosa – “The Brazilian Blur” brought pure pace, downhill pressure, and instant offense
to the 2015 championship squad. When the bench needed a jolt, Barbosa delivered. -
15. Mike Dunleavy Jr. – A versatile wing who could handle the ball, shoot, and pass. He played big
minutes in the early 2000s and was often asked to do a little bit of everything. -
16. Nick Young – Swaggy P’s one season in Golden State gave the team a streaky but dangerous shooter
and a surprisingly useful rotation piece on a championship-level roster. -
17. Larry Hughes – An athletic, defensive-minded guard who could also score in bunches. His time
with the Warriors was relatively short but packed with energy and highlight plays. -
18. Corey Maggette – A physical slasher who lived at the free-throw line and gave the Warriors
dependable scoring during restless, post–“We Believe” seasons. -
19. Jim Jackson – A smooth scorer and veteran presence who stabilized lineups with his shooting and
strong fundamentals during his brief Warriors stay. -
20. John Starks – Best known for his time in New York, Starks still brought his trademark fire,
defense, and shot-making to Golden State across two stints. -
21. Kent Bazemore – Undrafted and relentless, Bazemore carved out a role through hustle, defense,
and improved three-point shooting across two separate Warriors runs. -
22. Jon Barry – A smart, scrappy guard who hit open threes, played within the system, and became a
reliable role player during his time in Oakland. -
23. Mario Elie – Tough as nails, Elie brought hard-nosed defense and timely shooting before going
on to win titles elsewhere. His Warrior years showed the gritty competitor he’d become famous for. -
24. Calbert Cheaney – A dependable veteran wing who gave Golden State professional minutes, solid
defense, and spot scoring during the early 2000s reshuffle. -
25. Phil Smith – A two-time All-Star and member of the 1975 title team, Smith was an excellent
two-way guard whose name deserves more love in modern Warriors conversations. -
26. Ricky Pierce – One of the league’s classic professional scorers. Even in a short stint, Pierce’s
shooting touch made him a trusted option. -
27. Tim Legler – Long before he was breaking down film on TV, Legler was a knockdown shooter off the
bench, spacing the floor and punishing helping defenses. -
28. Jim Barnett – A steady guard whose on-court contributions in the ’70s later gave way to decades
as the beloved voice of the broadcast, making him a Warriors institution. -
29. Justin Holiday – A long, defensive-minded wing who finally stuck in the league and gave Golden
State useful rotation minutes and corner threes. -
30. Micheal Ray Richardson – His time with the Warriors was brief and early in his career, but you
could already see the flashes of the dynamic guard he would become.
Warriors Shooting Guards Ranked: 31–56
From prospects and role players to short-term rentals, this final group rounds out our 55+ best Golden State Warriors
shooting guards. They may not all be stars, but they each had a moment in blue and gold.
- 31. Billy Owens – A big, versatile wing who spent time at multiple positions and added size and passing from the perimeter.
- 32. Moses Moody – A recent addition with length, shooting touch, and the tools to climb up this list if he continues to develop.
- 33. D’Angelo Russell – More of a combo guard, but his brief Warriors stint still showcased his playmaking and shot creation in a tough transition season.
- 34. Mickaël Piétrus – An athletic defender and slasher whose energy and highlight plays made him a fan favorite in the mid-2000s.
- 35. Brandon Rush – A reliable 3-and-D wing who quietly filled an important role as a floor-spacer and defender during the early Kerr years.
- 36. Joe Ellis – A solid contributor in the late ’60s and early ’70s, with years of steady scoring and rebounding from the guard spot.
- 37. Damion Lee – A hard-working guard who battled his way from two-way contract to rotation player, hitting timely threes and competing defensively.
- 38. Vinny Del Negro – Late-career veteran who added experience, ball-handling, and stability in the backcourt.
- 39. Andy Phillip – A Hall of Fame playmaker whose short Warriors tenure came in the early days of the franchise but still adds pedigree to this list.
- 40. Alec Burks – A crafty scorer and secondary playmaker who put up strong numbers during an otherwise rebuilding season.
- 41. Kelenna Azubuike – One of the best “worked his way up” stories: undrafted, explosive, and productive before injuries slowed him down.
- 42. Terry Teagle – A smooth scorer from the ’80s who consistently put points on the board and could get hot in a hurry.
- 43. Marco Belinelli – A young sharpshooter still figuring things out in Golden State before blossoming as a specialist later in his career.
- 44. Ian Clark – A key bench guard on a championship team, known for staying ready, hitting spot-up threes, and fitting perfectly next to stars.
- 45. Bob Sura – A gritty, hustle-obsessed guard who rebounded, defended, and pushed the pace with reckless abandon.
- 46. Tom Gola – A versatile Hall of Fame forward/guard hybrid whose all-around skill helped lead the franchise to a 1950s title.
- 47. Ernie Beck – A territorial pick who contributed in the early Philadelphia Warriors days, giving the backcourt depth and toughness.
- 48. Patrick McCaw – A long, defensive-minded guard who played real minutes in back-to-back championship runs and embraced his role.
- 49. Otis Smith – A high-energy wing who attacked the rim, ran the floor, and chipped in across the box score.
- 50. Anthony Morrow – Undrafted and instantly lethal from deep, he once led the league in three-point percentage and fit perfectly in an up-tempo offense.
- 51. Jacob Evans – A defensive prospect whose offensive game never fully popped in Golden State, but who still flashed on-ball defense and IQ.
- 52. Jordan Crawford – A short-term flamethrower off the bench; when he checked in, it was green light time from anywhere on the floor.
- 53. Lester Conner – A versatile combo guard in the ’80s, known for his defense, ball-handling, and ability to plug into multiple roles.
- 54. Dorell Wright – A forward by trade, but often functioned as a perimeter shooting option on the wing, including a season where he led the league in made threes.
- 55. Bob Warlick – A guard/forward hybrid from the late ’60s who provided scoring and rebounding during his short Warriors tenure.
- 56. Vonteego Cummings – A combo guard with speed and athleticism, remembered as part of the late-’90s/early-2000s bridge era before the modern resurgence.
Conclusion and Fan Experiences with Warriors Shooting Guards
Looking across decades of Golden State Warriors history, one pattern jumps out: the shooting guard spot has almost
always been loaded with personality. From Klay’s stoic pyrotechnics to World B. Free’s flair, from Monta’s wild drives
to Livingston’s calm, every era had a different flavor of two-guard excellence.
These rankings mix fan memory, advanced stats, awards, and team success, but they’re also meant to spark debate. You
might argue that Phil Smith deserves to be higher because of his championship pedigree, or that Jordan Poole hasn’t
done quite enough yet. That’s part of the fun. A franchise as old and successful as Golden State is going to have more
worthy names than places near the top.
What It Feels Like to Watch Great Warriors Shooting Guards
Talk to long-time Warriors fans and you’ll notice that their favorite shooting guards are tied to very specific
emotions. For older fans, Chris Mullin means remembering the days when the Warriors were a high-scoring, freewheeling
offense playing in a packed Oakland Arena, with “Run TMC” lighting up scoreboards. Mullin’s one-dribble pull-up and
picture-perfect jumper were the kind of moves you tried (and usually failed) to copy on playground hoops.
For fans who grew up in the mid-2000s, Jason Richardson and Monta Ellis were hope. The team might have been hovering
around .500, but every game had a chance to turn into something unforgettable. J-Rich windmilling in transition. Monta
slithering through traffic and finishing over bigs who assumed they had the angle. Those players made League Pass worth
the late nights, even before the wins showed up.
Then there’s the “We Believe” season. If you were watching in 2007, you probably still remember where you were when
Stephen Jackson buried threes and barked at the top-seeded Mavericks, or when Baron Davis and J-Rich jumped into the
crowd as Oracle Arena shook. Even role players like Mickaël Piétrus and Matt Barnes fed off that energy. Jackson,
especially, felt like the emotional thermostat of the teamif he was locked in, the Warriors believed they could beat
anyone.
The dynasty era, led by Curry and Klay, shifted the experience again. With Klay at shooting guard, games took on this
surreal, almost inevitable feeling. Down 10? Fine, Klay might hit four threes in three minutes. Think the opponent is
making a run? He’d calmly backcut for a layup or slide into the corner for a dagger three. His 37-point quarter against
the Kings and 11-threes nights in the playoffs created a kind of shared disbelief among fans: you weren’t just watching
a hot hand; you were watching one of the best pure shooters in the history of basketball rewrite what “in rhythm”
means.
Even bench guys change the fan experience. Shaun Livingston checking in meant a brief return to old-school basketball:
post-ups, turnarounds, and midrange jumpers that defied every “threes and layups only” chart. Leandro Barbosa meant the
pace was about to spike. Ian Clark meant the second unit still had scoring punch. Patrick McCaw diving into passing
lanes meant the defense didn’t drop off as much as you’d expect from a bench-heavy lineup.
What makes the Warriors’ shooting guard legacy special isn’t just the number of talented playersit’s how clearly you
can connect them to specific eras, arenas, and emotions. Mullin’s lefty stroke belongs to the Coliseum, J-Rich’s dunks
belong to the early Oracle days, Jackson and the “We Believe” squad belong to the noise and chaos of 2007, and Klay’s
flurries belong to the dynastic run that turned Golden State into a global brand.
So whether you’re arguing about Klay vs. Mullin, reminding people that Phil Smith deserves more respect, or confidently
insisting that Monta Ellis could drop 25 in today’s pace-and-space era, one thing is clear: the Warriors’ shooting
guards are a huge part of why this franchise is so beloved. And as young guards like Moses Moody grow into bigger
roles, there’s a good chance this ranking will need an update sooner rather than later.
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