Golden State Warriors Jersey History – No. 13: The Legacy of Larry Smith (1980–1989)

The number 13 jersey is often associated with great fortune for some, and misfortune for others. In the case of the Golden State Warriors, No. 13 was worn by one of the most rugged, hard-working, and respected players in franchise history: Larry Smith. Nicknamed “Mr. Mean” for his intense, physical style of play, Smith donned the Warriors’ blue and gold from 1980 to 1989, carving out a reputation as a rebounding machine and beloved enforcer in an era where physicality and grit were essential.

Though not the flashiest name in Warriors lore, Larry Smith’s legacy stands tall among fan favorites who embodied the blue-collar ethos of the franchise. His impact on the court transcended box scores, and his contributions continue to echo through Golden State’s storied jersey history.

In this deep-dive, we’ll explore the jersey history of No. 13 in Warriors colors, spotlighting Larry Smith’s tenure from 1980 to 1989—his role, his rise, his relevance, and why his time in the Bay deserves lasting recognition.

I. The Arrival: A Quiet Storm from Alcorn State

Larry Smith entered the NBA in 1980 as the 24th overall pick in the second round of the draft, selected by the Golden State Warriors out of Alcorn State University, a small historically Black college in Mississippi.

At the time, the NBA wasn’t known for mining talent from smaller, less-prominent programs. But Smith’s college dominance—particularly on the boards—could not be ignored. He averaged over 15 rebounds per game during his final season, and scouts were intrigued by his motor and tenacity.

When he joined the Warriors, the team was in a transition phase. Gone were the glory days of the mid-70s when Rick Barry and Jamaal Wilkes led the team to a championship. The 1980s Warriors were struggling to find a new identity, and Smith entered a locker room filled with questions.

II. The Role Player Who Became a Relentless Rebounder

Though Smith never evolved into a high-scoring forward, his impact came in more physical and punishing forms. Listed at 6’8” and 215 pounds, Smith was undersized for a power forward or center by NBA standards—but he made up for it with tireless effort, fearless interior play, and an instinctive nose for the ball.

Rebounding Machine

From the jump, Smith showed his unique rebounding talent. He pulled down 8.7 rebounds per game as a rookie, despite averaging just 25 minutes per contest. As his playing time increased, so did his numbers. By the 1984–85 season, Smith averaged 11.1 rebounds per game, placing him among the league’s best.

Over his nine seasons with the Warriors, he grabbed 5,904 total rebounds, ranking him among the franchise’s all-time top ten at the time of his departure. He wasn’t just grabbing boards—he was dominating the glass with tenacity and consistency.

Defensive Grit

Larry Smith was often assigned to guard bigger centers and stronger forwards, yet rarely backed down. He was physical, tough, and always willing to sacrifice his body for a stop. His defensive acumen made him a coach’s dream and a fan favorite, especially during an era dominated by bruisers like Karl Malone, Charles Barkley, and Moses Malone.

Embracing the Dirty Work

Smith’s career averages—6.7 points and 9.2 rebounds per game in a Warriors uniform—don’t jump off the page. But his value was immeasurable. He boxed out, set crushing screens, and fought for every loose ball. He didn’t need headlines to leave a mark—he let his play and presence speak volumes.

III. Mr. Mean: The Man Behind the Moniker

Larry Smith’s nickname, “Mr. Mean,” was given not for his personality off the court—where he was reserved and soft-spoken—but for his snarling, relentless style of play on the floor. With a perpetually furrowed brow and a fearless attitude, Smith embodied the type of physical player every successful team needs.

Whether it was throwing elbows in the paint, diving for loose balls, or standing up to superstars, Smith never backed down. He brought a football mentality to basketball, and his hard-nosed demeanor earned respect from teammates, opponents, and officials alike.

He may not have been a superstar, but in Oakland and the Bay Area, “Mr. Mean” was the type of player who drew standing ovations for doing the dirty work.

IV. Warriors in the 1980s: A Backdrop of Transition

Larry Smith’s time with Golden State coincided with one of the franchise’s most transitional and, at times, turbulent periods. The team fluctuated between rebuilding and competing, frequently changing coaches and rosters throughout the decade.

Coaching Carousel

During Smith’s tenure, the Warriors went through multiple head coaches, including Johnny Bach, John Lucas, George Karl, and Don Nelson. Each brought different philosophies, and Smith adapted accordingly, always finding a way to contribute regardless of scheme or rotation.

Team Struggles

The Warriors made the playoffs just twice during Smith’s nine years with the team—once in 1987 and again in 1989. Despite the lack of postseason success, Smith remained a constant bright spot. His dependability, effort, and leadership helped stabilize a team that was often in flux.

The Rise of Run TMC

In Smith’s final season with the Warriors (1988–89), the seeds of something special were being planted. Chris Mullin, Mitch Richmond, and eventually Tim Hardaway would form the iconic “Run TMC” trio under coach Don Nelson. Though Smith wouldn’t remain with the team for their peak in the early ’90s, he played a critical part in laying the cultural groundwork for their identity shift.

V. Signature Moments in the Blue and Gold

While Smith was not typically the player hitting buzzer-beaters or scoring 30 points, he had his share of memorable moments that defined his Warriors career.

Career-High Rebounds

On March 26, 1986, Smith grabbed a career-high 29 rebounds in a game against the Denver Nuggets—nearly matching the output of the entire Nuggets frontcourt. That performance remains one of the best single-game rebounding efforts in Warriors history.

Playoff Heroics

In the 1987 playoffs—one of Smith’s two postseason appearances with Golden State—he averaged 10.7 rebounds per game over 10 contests, helping the Warriors upset the Utah Jazz in the first round. He was key in neutralizing Karl Malone in a gritty series that showcased his playoff readiness.

VI. The End of an Era: Departure and Later Career

After nine years of loyal service, Smith’s time with the Warriors came to an end in 1989 when he signed with the Houston Rockets. In Houston, he continued to contribute as a veteran presence and valuable rebounder, even helping the team reach the NBA Finals in 1994—though he played a more limited role.

Despite leaving the Bay, Smith’s identity remained closely tied to Golden State. His years in Oakland were his most productive, and fans still remember him most fondly for his time in the Warriors’ No. 13 jersey.

VII. Legacy: Why Larry Smith Matters in Warriors History

Larry Smith may never have made an All-Star team, never averaged 20 points per game, or headlined SportsCenter nightly, but his place in Golden State Warriors history is secure.

Top Rebounding Seasons

Even decades after retiring, Smith remains one of the top rebounders in Warriors franchise history. His 5,904 rebounds still place him in the top 10 all-time for the team.

Cultural Significance

Smith represented the working-class ethos of the Bay Area. He played with heart, hustle, and honesty—values that resonated with Warriors fans during an era of struggle and transition.

Jersey No. 13’s Defining Wearer

Though a few players have worn No. 13 in Golden State history, no one has owned the number like Larry Smith. His decade-long tenure in the jersey defines its legacy. He gave the number toughness, effort, and consistency.

VIII. Life After Basketball

Following his playing career, Smith stayed connected to the game. He served in various coaching roles, including a stint as head coach at his alma mater, Alcorn State, and as an assistant coach in the NBA.

He also worked in player development, mentoring young players in the very same fundamentals—boxing out, defending, rebounding—that made him an NBA success. His post-retirement work reflected his commitment to giving back and growing the game.

Honoring a Quiet Warrior

In today’s highlight-driven NBA, where social media amplifies every dunk and logo three-pointer, players like Larry Smith can sometimes be overlooked. But in the DNA of every championship team, you’ll find players like him—selfless, tenacious, and relentless.

Larry Smith’s time wearing No. 13 for the Golden State Warriors stands as a reminder that not all heroes fill the stat sheet. Some just do their job better than anyone else.

In the pantheon of Warriors greats, “Mr. Mean” may not have statues or retired banners, but he has something just as valuable: the enduring respect of those who saw him play, night in and night out, with the same energy whether it was Game 7 or a Tuesday in February.

His legacy lives on in the hard hat and lunch pail spirit of Warriors basketball—a tradition that has helped build champions.