Golden State Warriors Retired Numbers: Honoring the Bay Area's Best

Retired jersey numbers in sports symbolize a lasting tribute to the players who shaped a team and left their mark on history. For the Golden State Warriors, retiring a number reflects the recognition of players who helped define the franchise and basketball itself.

The Chase Center honors six Warriors legends: Wilt Chamberlain’s No. 13, Tom Meschery’s No. 14, Nate Thurmond’s No. 42, Rick Barry’s No. 24, Chris Mullin’s No. 17, and Al Attles’ No. 16. Each number holds a legacy of greatness, underscored by unforgettable achievements.

Wilt Chamberlain’s No. 13 

Wilt Chamberlain’s six seasons with the Warriors, spanning Philadelphia and San Francisco, set an unparalleled standard. His iconic 100-point game in 1962 remains one of the most celebrated feats in all of sports. That game alone would cement his legacy, but his dominance extended far beyond a single performance.

Chamberlain led the league in scoring seven times, including his rookie season with the Warriors, when he averaged 37.6 points per game. He also grabbed an impressive 25.1 rebounds per game during his Warriors tenure, collecting two MVP awards in the process., collecting two MVP awards in the process.

His time in a Warriors uniform showed the league a new level of athleticism and skill. Chamberlain’s retired No. 13 isn’t simply a nod to his statistics—it represents a player who forever changed how basketball is played.

Tom Meschery’s No. 14 

Tom Meschery was one of the first players in franchise history to have his jersey retired. Drafted seventh overall in 1961, the Russian-born forward brought grit and toughness to the court, averaging 12.9 points and 8.5 rebounds over six seasons with the Warriors.

Known for his relentless hustle, Meschery was selected as an NBA All-Star in 1963. Beyond the stats, he left a visual legacy: the Warriors incorporated his No. 14 into their logo after his retirement, a symbol that endured until 1974.

Meschery’s significance didn’t end with basketball. After retiring, he became an accomplished poet and educator. His journey reflects not just his contributions to the Warriors but the broader cultural impact he left behind.

Nate Thurmond’s No. 42 

Nate Thurmond spent 11 seasons with the Warriors, cementing his place as one of the greatest defensive players in NBA history. Known for his dominance on the boards, Thurmond averaged 15 rebounds per game during his Warriors career, including an astounding 21.3 rebounds per game in the 1966-67 season.

Thurmond’s versatility was showcased in 1974 when, after his time with the Warriors, he became the first player in NBA history to record a quadruple-double—10 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists, and 12 blocks as a member of the Chicago Bulls. His seven All-Star selections and multiple All-Defensive Team honors underlined his significance as both a physical and strategic force.

Thurmond’s No. 42 hanging in the rafters celebrates a player who made defense as thrilling and essential as offense.

Rick Barry’s No. 24 

Rick Barry brought the Warriors their first Bay Area NBA title in 1975 with a Finals MVP performance that is still revered. His leadership during that season propelled the Warriors to a stunning Finals sweep over the heavily favored Washington Bullets.

Barry averaged 30.6 points per game during the playoffs that year, showcasing his scoring ability and his trademark underhanded free-throw technique, which helped him achieve a career free-throw percentage of 90%. He finished his Warriors career with 16,447 points—the fourth-highest in franchise history.

More than just a scorer, Barry was a fierce competitor and playmaker, contributing 6.5 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game during his Warriors tenure. No. 24’s presence in the rafters commemorates the heart of a player who made winning the priority.

Chris Mullin’s No. 17 

Chris Mullin was the embodiment of consistency and precision during his 12 seasons with the Warriors. Known for his impeccable shooting form, Mullin averaged 20.1 points per game over his Warriors career, including five consecutive seasons of more than 25 points per game.

A five-time All-Star and two-time Olympic gold medalist, Mullin’s impact was particularly felt during the Run TMC era, where he, Tim Hardaway, and Mitch Richmond turned the Warriors into one of the league’s most entertaining teams. Mullin remains fifth on the Warriors’ all-time scoring list with 16,235 points and ranks among the franchise’s top five in steals, assists, and games played. and ranks among the franchise’s top five in steals, assists, and games played.

His No. 17 jersey represents not just his scoring ability but his leadership and dedication to the game.

Al Attles’ No. 16

Al Attles is more than a retired jersey; he’s the embodiment of the Warriors’ franchise values. A Warrior for life, Attles has served the team as a player, coach, and executive for more than six decades. As a player, he was known as "The Destroyer" for his tenacious defense and physical play.

Attles’ crowning moment came as head coach, leading the Warriors to their first NBA championship in 1975. His influence extended off the court, where he became a beloved ambassador for the team and a role model in the community.

No. 16 in the rafters celebrates a lifetime of contributions, symbolizing the loyalty, resilience, and leadership that have defined the Warriors’ identity.

Future Retirements to Watch For

The Warriors have already announced plans to retire the jerseys of two more franchise icons: Kevin Durant’s No. 35 and Andre Iguodala’s No. 9. Both players played pivotal roles in building the Warriors’ modern dynasty, securing three championships together between 2015 and 2019.

Kevin Durant’s arrival in 2016 elevated the team to unprecedented heights. His back-to-back Finals MVP performances in 2017 and 2018 showcased his dominance as one of the greatest scorers in NBA history. Durant’s No. 35 will undoubtedly hang in the rafters as a symbol of those championship runs and his role in shaping the Warriors’ legacy.

Andre Iguodala’s contributions were just as vital. As the 2015 Finals MVP, Iguodala’s leadership, defense, and clutch performances made him the team’s anchor in critical moments. His No. 9 jersey retirement will honor his decade-long association with the Warriors, including his efforts in mentoring younger players.

While the Warriors have expressed intentions to honor other franchise icons in the future, including Klay Thompson’s No. 11, no formal announcements or ceremonies have been scheduled. As one-half of the "Splash Brothers," Thompson’s incredible shooting, defense, and record-breaking performances have made him one of the franchise’s all-time greats.

These future retirements will continue the tradition of celebrating excellence while connecting past and present generations of Warriors basketball.

Conclusion

The Warriors’ six retired jerseys honor players whose contributions go beyond the court. These numbers tell the story of a franchise’s evolution—from Wilt Chamberlain’s dominance to Al Attles’ lifelong commitment to the organization.

These jerseys aren’t just reminders of past glory; they’re enduring symbols of the excellence that continues to inspire today’s players and fans. The Chase Center rafters preserve these legacies, connecting the Warriors’ historic past to its bright future.